Make environmental protection people’s movement: CM Saini
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said the Indian culture has always taught to respect and protect nature. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s nationwide campaign Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, he said environmental conservation must be transformed into a people’s movement. The CM was addressing a Youth Interaction and Tree Plantation Programme as the Chief Guest at the Apple Market in Pinjore, Panchkula.
Earlier, accompanied by Forests, Environment and Wildlife Minister Rao Narbir Singh, the Chief Minister planted saplings at the Apple Market and flagged off four LED vans under Van Chetna Yatra-2026. These vans will travel across all districts of Haryana to encourage citizens to plant more trees and spread awareness about environmental conservation. During the programme, the Chief Minister also presented certificates to the youth who participated in the Thapli Nature Camp. Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana and MLA Shakti Rani Sharma were also present.
The CM announced that 1,000 youth would be included under the Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana. He also announced the appointment of a Special Officer in the Chief Minister’s Office to address issues concerning youth. He assured that Tikkar Taal in Morni would be developed as a mountaineering training centre on the lines of Manali, along with strengthening its supporting infrastructure. He further announced a dedicated electricity substation for the Pinjore Apple Market, as well as parking facilities and additional police security for vehicles bringing apples from HP.
The Chief Minister said planting a sapling is easy, but nurturing it into a tree is a much greater responsibility. He urged every young person to plant and care for at least one sapling on their birthday, their parents’ birthdays or any special occasion, adding that such a collective effort would make Haryana greener.
Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, “Just as we honour our biological mother, we must also respect Mother Earth, who nurtures and sustains us.” He called upon every citizen to plant at least one tree for Mother Earth and inspire others to do the same. He emphasised that development and environmental conservation are not contradictory but complementary. Haryana’s development, he said, must be sustainable, protect natural resources, secure the future of coming generations and maintain ecological balance while ensuring economic progress.
He said the Thapli Nature Camp had given young participants an opportunity to closely experience nature, and these youth would now become ambassadors of environmental awareness in society. He also appreciated the efforts of hundreds of environmental enthusiasts who have inspired others through tree plantation drives. The CM said that a youth who understands and values his heritage becomes architect of future.
The CM said the government has launched the Pran Vayu Devta Pension Scheme for trees that are more than 75 years old. Under the scheme, financial assistance of Rs 3,000 per tree per year is being provided for their care and maintenance. He said such old trees deserve gratitude and special protection for environmental services they provide. He further said state government has initiated the establishment of Oxy-Vans over an area ranging from 5 to 100 acres at every district headquarters to make Haryana greener. These Oxy-Vans will include facilities such as walking tracks and cycling tracks. While Oxy-Van at Karnal has been completed, work is in progress in Panchkula.
