Chief Minister urges citizens to plant and protect trees, says environmental conservation and patriotism are the foundations of a stronger India

Yamunanagar | Pen of Democracy News Desk

Reinforcing the twin messages of environmental conservation and national pride, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday planted a sapling under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flagship ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign at the Police Lines in Yamunanagar and paid heartfelt tributes to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives during the Kargil War.

The plantation drive was organised immediately after the successful conclusion of the massive “Nashe Se Jung – Yamunanagar Ke Sang” anti-drug marathon, reflecting the state government’s commitment towards promoting a healthier society, a cleaner environment and a stronger sense of national responsibility.

After planting the sapling, the Chief Minister appealed to people across Haryana to actively participate in tree plantation campaigns and, more importantly, to ensure the proper care and protection of every plant. He said planting trees should become a people’s movement rather than remaining confined to government programmes or annual environmental events.

Addressing the gathering, Saini said that trees are not merely a source of greenery but the foundation of a healthy ecosystem and a sustainable future.

“Trees are not only essential for maintaining ecological balance but are also a priceless legacy that we leave behind for future generations. Every citizen should plant at least one tree in his or her lifetime and take responsibility for nurturing it. Planting a sapling is only the first step; protecting and caring for it is equally important,” he said.

The Chief Minister emphasised that rapid urbanisation, climate change and increasing pollution have made environmental conservation one of the greatest responsibilities of the present generation. He said every individual, institution and community must contribute towards increasing green cover to ensure cleaner air, better water conservation and a healthier environment for the coming generations.

Calling for greater public participation, Saini said nature conservation cannot be achieved by governments alone. It requires collective efforts from citizens, educational institutions, social organisations, industries and local communities.

“Environmental protection is a shared responsibility. When every citizen joins this mission with dedication, Haryana can emerge as a greener, cleaner and environmentally sustainable state,” he added.

Highlighting the scale of the initiative, the Chief Minister announced that nearly 1,500 saplings would be planted within the Police Lines campus under the special plantation campaign. He expressed confidence that such drives would not only strengthen the state’s green cover but also inspire people to adopt environmentally responsible lifestyles.

The programme also witnessed enthusiastic participation from students of DAV School, Police Lines, who actively assisted in the plantation drive. Appreciating their involvement, the Chief Minister said children and young people are the true ambassadors of environmental conservation and that encouraging them to plant and protect trees will help build a culture of sustainability for decades to come.

Earlier in the day, on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Chief Minister Saini visited the Police Martyrs’ Memorial, where he offered floral tributes to the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice while defending India’s borders during the 1999 Kargil conflict.

Paying homage to the martyrs, he said their courage, patriotism and dedication continue to inspire every Indian.

“The supreme sacrifice of the heroes of Kargil will forever remain a source of inspiration. Their bravery reminds us that the nation’s unity, sovereignty and security have been protected through extraordinary courage and selfless devotion. Every citizen should honour their sacrifice by serving the nation with sincerity and responsibility,” he said.

The Chief Minister noted that while soldiers safeguard the country’s borders, citizens must also fulfil their responsibilities by protecting the nation’s natural resources and contributing positively to society.

The programme was attended by MLA Ghanshyam Das Arora, former Cabinet Minister Kanwar Pal Gurjar, former MLA Balwant Singh, BJP District President Rajesh Sapra, District General Secretary Narendra Rana, Deputy Commissioner Preeti, Superintendent of Police Kamaldeep Goyal, Additional Deputy Commissioner Naveen Ahuja, BJP District Media In-charge Kapil Manish Garg, senior administrative officials, public representatives and members of civil society.

The event concluded with a collective pledge to promote environmental conservation and uphold the values of patriotism, reinforcing the message that building a stronger India requires both respect for nature and gratitude towards those who have sacrificed everything for the nation.

POD/DESK