Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria today reviewed the preparedness for the Plantation Plan 2026–27 during a high-level meeting attended by the Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary to Governor Punjab, Home Secretary-cum-Secretary (Forests & Wildlife), Chief Conservator of Forests, Municipal Commissioner, Conservator of Forests, Chief Engineer (Engineering Department) and Chief Engineer (Municipal Corporation).
Giving an overview of the plantation activities undertaken during 2025–26, the Chief Conservator of Forests informed that against the target of 5,76,221 saplings under the Greening Chandigarh Action Plan 2025–26, a total of 6,64,133 saplings were planted.
The plantations carried out by various stakeholder departments are being regularly maintained. Third-party monitoring of the plantations was conducted twice, in November 2025 and March 2026, and recorded an overall survival rate of approximately 79 per cent.
The Hon’ble Administrator was apprised of the preparations for the comprehensive Plantation Plan 2026–27, being formulated in consultation with all concerned stakeholders. It was informed that the focus this year will be on the quality of plantation rather than quantity.
All departments have been advised to use quality planting material to ensure better growth and survival of saplings. The Forest Department has also conducted training programmes on plantation techniques and post-plantation care at the Botanical Garden, Sarangpur.
As per the tentative schedule, the plantation drive will be launched during Van Mahotsav in the forthcoming monsoon season. The plantation target for all greening agencies during 2026–27 has been fixed at 4,19,854 saplings, including distribution and sale of plants.
The plantation plan for Dadumajra was also reviewed. The Municipal Commissioner informed that around 10,000 saplings will be planted at the site in consultation with the Forest Department. Species such as bamboo, flowering trees, bougainvillea, camphor, neem and other suitable native and adaptive species will be planted keeping in view the site-specific requirements.
The Hon’ble Administrator also reviewed preparations for the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, which will be formally launched by him on June 5, 2026, with the planting of a sapling at Punjab Lok Bhavan. He directed the Municipal Corporation to actively involve citizens in the campaign, particularly by encouraging plantation activities in neighbourhood parks and gardens.
Emphasising the importance of proper planning and maintenance, the Hon’ble Administrator directed that plantation sites should be carefully selected and adequate measures, including installation of tree guards and fencing wherever required, should be ensured for protection of saplings.
He further advised that old tree guards, wherever trees have already been established, may be reused. The Chief Engineer (Engineering Department) and Chief Engineer (Municipal Corporation) were directed to cover all gaps in avenue plantations across the city.
They were also instructed to ensure development of appropriate vegetative cover, preferably grass, in all vacant spaces along roads and avenues. Such measures, he observed, would enhance the aesthetic appeal of the city, strengthen soil binding and contribute to mitigation of air pollution.