On the occasion of World Environment Day, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini urged the people of the state to plant a tree as a step towards environmental conservation and a cleaner, greener future. He also called on citizens to pledge to stop using plastic, with the aim of making Haryana a plastic-free state.
The Chief Minister was speaking at a function held in Charkhi Dadri to mark World Environment Day. During the event, he launched the second phase of the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, the Green Aravali Action Plan, and the Miyawaki Plantation Campaign. In addition, he flagged off five electric buses, symbolizing the state’s commitment to combating air pollution.
He said that the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative was first launched by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi on World Environment Day last year. Emphasizing the importance of nature, he said, “Just as we honor the mother who gives us birth, we must also show the same reverence to Mother Earth.”
He highlighted that the Green Aravali Action Plan, developed with support from both the Central and State Governments, aims to rejuvenate and green the Aravali region, which spans four states. The plan covers 29 districts in total, including five in Haryana.
The Chief Minister said that the primary objective of observing World Environment Day is to raise awareness about the various forms of pollution—air, water, and soil—and their harmful impacts. The theme for this year’s World Environment Day is “Plastic-Free Earth.”
He said that plastic pollution is causing significant harm to the environment, and its effects will pose serious risks to future generations. “It is our collective responsibility to keep the environment clean,” he said.Sh Nayab Singh Saini underlined that as India and Haryana progress on the path of becoming developed, a clean and healthy environment is essential to sustain this growth.
To achieve this, we must prevent deforestation and put an end to the use of plastic, he added.He further said that unless people understand the global consequences of plastic waste, meaningful solutions for its disposal will remain out of reach.
With this in mind, the government is focusing on creating a plastic-free natural environment and is implementing various measures to eliminate plastic pollution. In Haryana, the state government has already imposed a ban on single-use plastic. Also, plastic bags below 120 microns have also been prohibited as part of the broader strategy to reduce plastic waste.
Target to include about 30 percent electric buses in the Roadways fleet
Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that five new electric buses flagged off today. He highlighted that the government had committed in its Sankalp Patra to provide 375 electric buses across 11 municipal corporations, a goal that is constantly being achieved. Prior to this, around 45 electric buses had already been deployed under the city bus service across nine cities.
Additionally, approximately 450 more electric buses are planned to be procured under the Pradhan Mantri E-Bus Seva Yojana by 2026 and will be integrated into the Roadways fleet. These buses will be allocated to cities including Gurugram, Faridabad, Panipat, Yamunanagar, Rohtak, and Hisar.
The Chief Minister said that over the next five years, the government aims to have around 30 percent of the Roadways fleet composed of electric buses. This initiative will significantly reduce diesel consumption and curb air pollution. To further encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, the government has introduced subsidies for the purchase of battery-operated vehicles.
Supreme Court praises Haryana on stubble management, advises Punjab to learn
Referring to the government’s efforts towards environmental protection, the Chief Minister said that the Haryana government has taken significant measures to reduce incidents of stubble burning, a major contributor to air pollution. The government is actively working to ensure proper management and disposal of crop residue.
He said that previous Delhi government used to blame farmers in Punjab and Haryana for stubble burning and the resulting pollution in Delhi. However, the Supreme Court has commended Haryana for its effective stubble management initiatives, noting that Haryana has set a commendable example that Punjab could learn from.
All citizens should take a pledge to plant a tree in their home or public places
The Chief Minister highlighted that the state has implemented various policies to control biomedical waste, regulate plastic use, and ensure the proper disposal of harmful substances and solid waste. To raise environmental awareness among the youth, 5,250 eco clubs have been established across all districts in Haryana.
He also informed that a new initiative to create Oxyvan, green spaces ranging from five to 100 acres, at district headquarters throughout the state. An Oxyvan was successfully established in Karnal last year, and work is currently underway in Panchkula.On this occasion, the Chief Minister urged all citizens to take a pledge to plant a tree whether in their home courtyards, public spaces, or open fields and contribute towards a greener Haryana.
During the program, he also released booklets prepared by the Department of Environment, Forest and Wildlife titled Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Nursery and Harit Aravali Action Plan. Apart from this, jute bags were also promoted to encourage the use of jute bags with the aim of giving the message of plastic free environment.
Every person should take a pledge to plant as many trees as possible and to abandon the use of polythene – Rao Narbir Singh
Environment, Forest and Wildlife Minister Rao Narbir Singh emphasized the significance of World Environment Day, adding that it was established in 1972 and first celebrated in 1973. He highlighted this year’s theme, “Plastic Free Earth,” as highly relevant given that plastic pollution is one of today’s biggest environmental challenges.
The Minister appealed to citizens to completely stop using plastic and take proactive steps toward creating a clean and safe environment, ensuring that future generations can breathe fresh air. Referring to the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, he urged everyone to take a pledge during its second phase to plant as many trees as possible and to eliminate the use of polythene.Member of Parliament Dharambir Singh, MLAs Sunil Sangwan, Randir Panihar and dignitaries were also present on this occasion.
Comments are closed.