In a significant push for environmental sustainability, Ludhiana district has planted approximately eight lakh saplings since July 1, 2025, as part of a massive afforestation drive dedicated to the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. The initiative, led by the district administration, aims to enhance the green cover across the region.
Cabinet Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian, presiding over the district-level Van Mahotsav event at Government College for Girls, along with Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain, stated that the saplings have been planted on Panchayat lands, around village ponds, along roadsides, and in educational institutions and healthcare centers across Ludhiana.
“This is a ground-breaking step toward increasing the district’s green cover,” Mundian added. He emphasized that the campaign aligns with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision of a clean, green, and pollution-free Punjab.
To ensure accessibility, saplings were provided free to government departments, while the public could purchase them at a nominal cost of Rs 2 each, significantly reduced from ₹20-25. Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain stressed the importance of proper maintenance to ensure the saplings grow into healthy trees.
“Planting saplings is just the beginning. We must nurture them to maturity to create a sustainable environment,” he stated and added that directions have been issued to the officials in this regard. He underscored that a clean and green environment is essential for public health, as trees improve air quality, mitigate heat, and promote biodiversity.
He also expressed gratitude to residents, social organizations, religious groups, educational institutions, and NGOs for their enthusiastic participation. During the event, Mundian and Jain also planted saplings on the college premises, setting an example for community involvement.
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Divisional Forest Officer Rajesh Gulati, the college principal, and other dignitaries. The students of Government College for Girls also performed a captivating cultural program themed around the importance of saplings, emphasizing their role in environmental conservation.