The Forest & Wildlife Department, Chandigarh Administration, organized a vibrant ‘Paudh Mela’ today at the Lake Club parking area as a key part of the ongoing Van Mahotsav 2025 celebrations. The event was inaugurated by the chief guest, Sh. Rajeev Verma, Chief Secretary, UT Chandigarh.
The Mela featured over 20 thematic stalls showcasing a wide spectrum of efforts and innovations in forest and wildlife conservation, pollution control, renewable energy, and community-driven environmental initiatives. The Forest Department put on display a rich collection of saplings, including fruit-bearing, flowering, ornamental/shade-giving, medicinal, and kitchen garden species.
Key departments such as the Municipal Corporation and Engineering Department also participated with informative exhibits. Prominent NGOs including Yuvsatta, Youth Innovative Society, and Global Youth Federation, along with eco clubs from local schools — Vasudha Eco Club (GMSSS-22A), Soanjana Eco Club (GMSSS-46D), and Nag Kesar Eco Club (PM Shri GMSSS-14, Dhanas) — displayed a diverse range of eco-friendly products.
These included vermicompost from dead leaves, cloth bags from fabric scraps, herbal juices, terracotta items, dhoop battis made from dry flowers, and handicrafts by self-help groups. The Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science & Technology Promotion Society (CREST) showcased electric vehicles and other renewable energy solutions, reflecting Chandigarh’s focus on sustainable and clean development.
To recognize exemplary environmental efforts, Eco-Club Awards were presented by the Chief Secretary to select eco clubs for their outstanding contribution to environmental awareness and action. A major highlight of the event was the flagging off of the Wildlife Rescue Van and Motorbikes by the Chief Secretary, accompanied by Sh. Mandip Singh Brar, Secretary, Forest & Wildlife.
These vehicles, procured under the CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority) scheme, will significantly strengthen the department’s capacity to respond swiftly to man-animal conflicts and enable rapid wildlife rescue operations. The motorbikes will be especially useful for frontline forest staff to ensure quick mobility and ground-level support.
As a symbolic gesture, a sapling was planted under the campaign #EkPedMaaKeNaam by the Chief Secretary, joined by Sh. Mandip Singh Brar (Secretary, Forest & Wildlife), Sh. Saurabh Kumar (Chief Conservator of Forests), Sh. Anup Soni (Conservator of Forests), and Sh. Navneet Kumar Srivastava (Deputy Conservator of Forests, Chandigarh).
In his address, Chief Secretary Sh. Rajeev Verma emphasized that initiatives like the Paudh Mela and plantation drives are more than just tree-planting events — they symbolize a deeper commitment to reconnect with nature and build environmental consciousness. He urged citizens to actively engage in afforestation efforts and lauded the Forest Department for leading such impactful initiatives.
He also announced that over 5 lakh saplings will be planted across Chandigarh during Van Mahotsav 2025, which was formally inaugurated on 5th July at Rajendra Park by the Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator of UT Chandigarh.