- विज्ञापन -
Chandigarh: In a landmark environmental event, Punjab Governor and UT Chandigarh Administrator Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria spearheaded an extensive city-wide tree plantation drive in Chandigarh as part of ‘Van Mahotsav 2025’, marking one of the largest and most significant ecological efforts in the city’s history.
On this remarkable day, a total of 1,05,874 saplings were planted across 253 carefully selected locations throughout the city—from busy urban centers to peaceful residential sectors, parks, educational campuses, and roadside zones. This event not only highlighted Chandigarh’s strong commitment to sustainability but also showcased the personal dedication of the Governor to transforming the city into one of India’s greenest, eco-friendly, and climate-resilient urban spaces.
Demonstrating exceptional involvement, Governor Kataria personally planted saplings at 23 different sites across the city, passionately emphasizing the importance of environmental preservation for future generations. His active participation energized officials, students, volunteers, and residents, turning the occasion into a collective festival of environmental responsibility and civic pride.
During his speech, the Governor called on every citizen to view this day as a pledge towards planetary health rather than just an annual event. He emphasized that ‘Van Mahotsav’ symbolizes planting hope, balance, and the future, urging every household, school, and institution in Chandigarh to be part of this green movement.
He recalled the timeless words of Munshi Premchand—“Vrikshon ka arth hai jal, jal se roti aur roti se hi jeevan”—highlighting that human survival depends fundamentally on trees. Without forests, there would be no rains, rivers, or fertile land—no future.
Citing alarming global statistics—over 15 billion trees lost annually, equivalent to destroying 40 football fields of forest every second—the Governor warned of the urgent need for action, describing these figures as distress signals from a wounded planet. Chandigarh, already boasting a 51.54% green cover, has set a national example with this wide-reaching campaign, planning to plant over 5 lakh saplings across the Union Territory this year.
In addition, the Governor inaugurated key environmental initiatives, including the ‘Greening Chandigarh Action Plan’, ‘State Action Plan on Climate Change’, and the ‘Chandigarh Tree Map’, reaffirming the city’s ecological commitment.
He also highlighted India’s rich cultural reverence for trees, from sacred Peepal and Neem trees to the spiritual significance of Tulsi, emphasizing their central role in health, environment, and spirituality. Referencing Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings—“Pavan Guru, Pani Pita, Mata Dharat Mahat”—he reminded all that our relationship with nature is emotional and nurturing, just like that of a mother caring for her children.
Aligning with national goals, the Governor reaffirmed Chandigarh’s aim to become a Net Zero Emission city by 2030. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives like ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ that connect ecological action with emotional bonds, underscoring that every tree planted in a mother’s name is a tribute of love and protection.
Throughout the day, the Governor personally planted diverse saplings with cultural, ecological, and medicinal importance—such as Crushia, Kapur, Mango, Neeli Gulmohar, Shyam Tulsi, Amla, Gardenia, Kachnaar, and Rudraksha—at various prominent locations including Matka Chowk, Patiala Ki Rao, Panjab University, Sector 18’s Neighbourhood Park, and Sukhna Choe Reserve Forest. He also inaugurated Taru Vatika at Govt Model School and planted Rudraksha at Punjab Raj Bhavan, symbolizing his strong personal commitment to environmental conservation.
The event was attended by Chandigarh’s Mayor Smt. Harpreet Kaur Babla, Principal Secretary to the Governor Sh. Vivek Pratap Singh, Home Secretary Mandip Brar, DGP Pushpendra Kumar, Municipal Commissioner Amit Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forests Saurabh Kumar, and other officials, all united in their resolve to nurture Chandigarh’s green vision.
