Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav on Friday said Haryana is taking active steps to protect the Aravalli hills and control air pollution while participating in the state’s 77th Van Mahotsav celebrations in Manesar. He said the state government has been working on recommendations issued by the Centre to strengthen environmental protection measures.

Addressing the event, Yadav congratulated the Haryana government for its efforts to transform Gurugram from a millennium city into a greener urban centre. He highlighted the importance of balancing development with environmental conservation and said initiatives taken in the state would help improve ecological conditions.

The Union Minister said he had recently reviewed Haryana’s air quality situation and was encouraged by the steps taken by the state government. The recommendations included improving solid waste management systems in housing societies, installing Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS) and Air Pollution Control Devices (APCDs) in industries, introducing smart traffic management and expanding green cover.

Also Read: India And Japan Discuss Measures To Enhance Defence Cooperation

Yadav also stressed the importance of protecting grasslands and woodlands for soil conservation and maintaining groundwater levels. He said Haryana has made progress in these areas and that continued efforts would be essential for preserving natural resources and strengthening environmental sustainability.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said Van Mahotsav is not only about planting trees but also about fulfilling the responsibility of protecting nature. He said India has traditionally respected the environment and treated nature as an important part of its cultural values.

Saini said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign has encouraged people’s participation in plantation drives, with Haryana setting a target of planting 1.4 crore saplings this year. He added that restoring the greenery of the Aravallis is a collective responsibility and noted that district-level Van Mahotsav programmes were organised simultaneously across the state as part of the initiative.

Also Read: Delhi Cabinet Approves Bill To Allow Private Universities