76th State-Level Van Mahotsav — Environmental Protection Is a Core Element of Indian Culture

10 Crore Saplings to Be Planted This Year Under “Hariyalo Rajasthan” Mission, Says CM Bhajanlal Sharma

Call to Public: Care for Plants Like Family, Play an Active Role in Greening Rajasthan

Jaipur : Rajasthan Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma emphasized that environmental protection has always been deeply rooted in Indian culture, practiced in thought, speech, and action. He said the Van Mahotsav (Forest Festival) is a symbol of our responsibility toward conserving the environment and trees, and the government is turning it into a people’s movement. He urged every citizen to plant at least one tree in the name of their mother and nurture it like a member of the family to actively support the Hariyalo Rajasthan Mission.

Shri Sharma made these remarks while addressing the 76th Van Mahotsav at Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Rajasthan Sanskrit University in Madau, Jaipur, on Sunday. He noted the symbolic significance of celebrating Van Mahotsav during Hariyali Teej, a festival dedicated to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. The entire month of Sawan, he added, is devoted to Lord Shiva. Owing to divine blessings, the state has received abundant rainfall this year, resulting in lush greenery and healthy crops. More than half the dams in the state are full, and for the first time ever, Bisalpur Dam filled up in July itself. This prosperity is benefiting farmers, laborers, and all sections of society, he said.

Special Significance of Trees in Indian Culture

CM Sharma highlighted that trees hold a revered place in Indian tradition, citing how Lord Rama lived in forests for 14 years with Sita and Lakshman, and the Pandavas too took refuge in forests during exile, relying on forest produce for their needs. He referred to the Skanda Purana, which equates one tree to ten sons.

Record: 2.5 Crore Trees Planted in One Day

Inspired by PM Narendra Modi’s “One Tree in Mother’s Name” campaign, the state launched the Hariyalo Rajasthan Mission last year on Hariyali Teej and planted over 7 crore saplings. This year, the target is 10 crore trees, with a new record of 2.5 crore saplings planted in a single day. The 5-year mission aims to plant 50 crore trees across Rajasthan.

India Leading in Climate Action

Shri Sharma praised the Prime Minister for putting India at the forefront of global efforts against climate change and global warming. He highlighted the International Solar Alliance formed with France and the “One Sun, One World, One Grid” initiative. India has set a target of producing 500 GW of renewable energy and meeting 50% of its energy needs from renewables by 2030 under the Panchamrit climate commitments.

He said key social campaigns like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Swachh Bharat Mission, and the tree plantation drive are deeply connected to public welfare and environmental health. Efforts are underway to connect the younger generation with nature and environmental responsibility.

Rajasthan a Model in Environmental Conservation

CM Sharma pointed out that Rajasthan’s tradition of water and environmental conservation sets an example for the world. He remembered Amrita Devi, who, along with her three daughters and 363 others, sacrificed their lives to protect trees. To honor this legacy, the state is building the Amritadevi Indigenous Plant Museum in Khejarli, Jodhpur.

To further enhance air quality, urban forests (Nagar Vans) are being developed. The central government has approved 22 such forests, and 18 more proposals have been submitted.

Major Initiatives to Expand Green Cover

The state has taken multiple measures to expand green cover:

• Appointed over 3,500 local residents as Van Mitras (Forest Friends)
• Launched a ₹250 crore Green Aravalli Development Project
• Introduced Rajasthan’s first Green Budget
• Under the Vande Ganga Jal Sanrakshan Jan Abhiyan, cleaned 42,000+ water sources
• Built 45,000 water conservation structures under the Karmabhoomi Se Matrubhoomi campaign

Seed Sowing via Drone

The Chief Minister planted a Sindoor tree and carried out aerial seeding using drones during the event. He also inaugurated a brochure on Rohida (the state tree) and visited a forest department exhibition. Awards were presented for the Amrita Devi Vishnoi Memorial and innovation in forestry. Shri Sharma paid floral tribute to Jagadguru Ramanandacharya at the university campus.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shri Jogaram Patel noted that under CM Sharma’s leadership, Rajasthan is moving swiftly toward a green revolution. Forest and Environment Minister (Independent Charge) Shri Sanjay Sharma emphasized not only tree planting but also long-term protection to ensure their growth into full trees. Chief Secretary Shri Sudhansh Pant provided an overview of plantation efforts across the state.

Leaders and Public Participate

The event saw participation from MP Smt. Manju Sharma, MLA Shri Kailash Chand Verma, District Head Smt. Rama Devi Chopra, Additional Chief Secretary (Forests) Shri Anand Kumar, DGP Shri Rajeev Kumar Sharma, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Shri Pawan Kumar Upadhyay, Sanskrit University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ramsevak Dubey, spiritual leader Shri Ram Richhpal Das Ji Maharaj, public representatives, NCC & Scout cadets, students, and the general public.

Tribute to Victims of School Collapse

In his closing remarks, CM Sharma expressed grief over the tragic incident at the Government School in Piplodi village, Jhalawar district. He said the state government is taking all necessary steps to prevent such tragedies in the future and urged citizens to immediately report any dilapidated buildings to officials. A two-minute silence was observed in memory of the victims.