Ambala, 30 July- Haryana's Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Anil Vij said that not only should trees be planted but maximum trees should also be protected so that earth can be made green.
Vij was speaking as chief guest today afternoon at district level Van Mahotsav programme organized by Forest Department at Dussehra ground on Ram Bagh Road. Before this he started the programme by planting a tree. Mayor of Ambala City Akshita Saini, Nagar Council President Swarn Kaur and Vice President of Vyapar Kalyan Board Rakesh Bindal among others also planted trees.
Energy Minister Anil Vij said, "Today, we have planted trees in Dussehra ground in intense heat. If these plants had been planted 25-30 years ago then we would not have had to bear heat." He further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi started slogan "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" in 2024. Modi speaks with so much depth that time and knowledge is needed to understand it. We should work together for "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign. Mother who gives birth and Mother Earth both are very important for us.
Energy Minister Anil Vij announced donation of Rs 50 lakh from his voluntary fund for construction of footpath around wall at Dussehra Ground. He said that with construction of this footpath people will not only enjoy beauty of this place but also green plants planted here. He directed Forest Department and Municipal Council officials to jointly plant small flowering trees here. He said that Netaji Subhash Park in Ambala Cantt has become a magnificent park. People come there in large numbers to enjoy its beauty. He said that work to build an e-library there will start soon. Along with this, tenders for food court will also be issued soon.
Energy Minister said that life is unimaginable without trees and plants. Both are essential for survival. Trees provide us oxygen. He said that trees and plants are main owners of earth. Humans are cutting and reducing earth's surface for their convenience but we should plant maximum trees and protect them to maintain environmental balance. He said that last year about 3.6 million trees were planted in Ambala district. Wherever there is vacant space on land, trees should be planted. He said that we should work together to make Modi's slogan, "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" meaningful.
Energy Minister Anil Vij said that Forest Department officials should also give figure of how many trees were saved along with number of trees planted every year. Energy Minister said that as part of Van Mahotsav today trees are being planted across state. He appealed to district administration and people present on occasion to gift trees on special occasions, birthdays or other events. On this occasion, Transport Minister also honoured students of Eco Quiz competition with appreciation certificates.
On this occasion, DFO Naresh Ranga said that today about 130 trees have been planted and about 10,000 saplings have been distributed to schools.