Punjab Cabinet Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal today launched the ambitious 'Mission Hariyali 2026' campaign of Apna Punjab Foundation to plant 900,000 saplings across the state with the objective of protecting the environment and making Punjab greener.
The campaign was launched at a special event held at the campus of SEABA School, Lehragaga.On the occasion, Cabinet Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal distributed saplings among the students and encouraged them to plant more trees and take responsibility for their proper care.
Addressing the gathering, the Cabinet Minister said that environmental conservation is one of the most pressing needs of the present time and that every citizen should contribute to this noble cause. He emphasized that merely planting saplings is not enough; nurturing them until they grow into healthy trees is a shared responsibility.
Appreciating the efforts of the Apna Punjab Foundation, the Cabinet Minister described the initiative of planting and systematically monitoring 9,00,000 saplings across Punjab as highly commendable. He said that such organisations play a vital role in promoting environmental awareness and reconnecting people with nature.
He also praised SEABA School for imparting not only quality academic education but also instilling social responsibility, environmental consciousness, moral values and practical life skills among its students. He urged students to plant at least one sapling and nurture it into a tree. During his address, he also shared several useful tips on the proper care and maintenance of saplings.
Speaking on the occasion, Kanwaljit Singh Dhindsa, Founder Member of Apna Punjab Foundation and Managing Director of SEABA School, warmly welcomed the Cabinet Minister. He said that the Foundation's objective is to transform environmental conservation into a people's movement.
He informed that under the Mission, 9,00,000 saplings would be planted systematically across various districts of Punjab, with continuous monitoring and maintenance to ensure their survival. He also thanked the students for their enthusiasm and active participation in the campaign.Later, Cabinet Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal formally inaugurated 'Mission Hariyali 2026' by planting a sapling in the Herbal Garden of the School and reiterated the message of environmental conservation.
Among those present on the occasion were Arun Jindal, District President of the Trade Cell; Shishpal Anand, Chairman of the Market Committee; members of the school management, teachers, a large number of students, and other distinguished guests.