Haryana Forest and Environment Minister, Rao Narbir Singh has urged the people of the state to actively participate in the annual Van Mahotsav during the monsoon season by planting trees and fulfilling Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' pledge. He said climate change has emerged as a global challenge, with countries across the world undertaking scientific initiatives and policy interventions to restore ecological balance.
Keeping this in view, Haryana has, for the first time, made a budgetary provision of Rs. 100 crore for a Green Climate Resilience Fund, marking a significant step towards strengthening the state's environmental sustainability efforts. The Minister said the Haryana Government has set an ambitious target of planting 2.10 crore saplings across the state under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign.
In addition, approval has been granted for the plantation of another 20 lakh saplings under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) scheme. Rao Narbir Singh said that planting a sapling alone is not sufficient, ensuring its survival until it takes root and grows into a tree is equally important.
He said that Van Mahotsav was first launched in 1950, and since then, states across the country have observed the festival every year during the monsoon with theme-based plantation drives and awareness programmes. As part of the 77th Van Mahotsav, Haryana will organise a series of state-level and district-level events to encourage public participation in environmental conservation.
Referring to the Union Government's 'Catch the Rain' campaign, the Minister appealed to citizens to conserve every drop of rainwater by promoting rainwater harvesting. He urged people to restore and rejuvenate ponds, water bodies and other traditional water sources to maximise the conservation and utilisation of monsoon rainfall.
He said World Environment Day 2026 proved to be historic and significant for Haryana in several respects. While large-scale awareness programmes on environmental conservation were organised across the state, educational institutions, social organisations and citizens enthusiastically joined Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign and collectively resolved to make Haryana a greener and more environmentally sustainable state.
The Minister said that under the leadership of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the Haryana Government is taking visionary and effective measures to promote environmental conservation, green energy and clean transportation. The government's objective, he said, extends beyond economic development to ensuring clean air, a healthier environment and an improved quality of life for future generations.
Environmental protection and economic progress are complementary, and green technologies, clean energy and electric mobility have become essential for sustainable development. Rao Narbir Singh further said that World Environment Day was established by the United Nations in 1972 to raise global awareness about environmental protection.
The first observance was held in 1973 under the theme "Only One Earth." Since then, the annual observance has focused on issues such as climate change, plastic pollution, biodiversity conservation, deforestation, food security and ecosystem restoration. This year's theme, "Inspired by Nature – For Climate – For Our Future," underscores the importance of nature-based solutions in addressing climate challenges.
Highlighting the significance of the proposed Rs. 100-crore Green Climate Resilience Fund, the Cabinet Minister said it will play a crucial role in promoting zero-emission vehicles, renewable energy, energy efficiency, water conservation, urban greening, climate-resilient agriculture and nature-based solutions across Haryana.
The fund will also support innovative investments aimed at tackling air and water pollution while strengthening the state's long-term environmental resilience, he said.