Punjab Launches 2025-26 Green Drive: Flowering Saplings on Highways, 3.5 Lakh Trees per District
Punjab Rolls Out Ambitious 2025-26 Green Drive: Highways to Bloom with Flowering Trees, 3.5 Lakh Saplings per District
Chandigarh, July 7: In a strong push towards environmental conservation, the Punjab Forest and Wildlife Preservation Department has unveiled an ambitious plantation program for 2025-26, featuring large-scale sapling plantations and novel awareness initiatives. The key highlight is the ‘Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Haryaval Sankalp’, under which 3.5 lakh saplings will be planted in each of Punjab’s districts over the coming year.
Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak emphasized the department’s commitment to expanding green cover, promoting biodiversity, and engaging the public in climate-conscious action.
Flowering Trees to Line Highways: Pilot Project in Focus
One of the most innovative proposals includes a pilot project to plant large, flowering saplings along major state highways, bringing both ecological and aesthetic benefits. The proposed locations include:
- Sangrur region
- Jalandhar to Amritsar Road
- Pathankot to Amritsar
- Sri Anandpur Sahib
- Village Khatkar Kalan on the Phagwara–Chandigarh Road
These ornamental plantations aim to not only enhance roadside beauty but also contribute to carbon sequestration and biodiversity enrichment.
Shiv Kumar Batalvi Poetry Contest to Inspire Youth
In a cultural and environmental synergy, a statewide poetry contest will be held on July 23 in Batala in memory of legendary Punjabi poet Shiv Kumar Batalvi, marking his birth anniversary. The contest, themed on tree and environmental protection, will be open to:
- Primary
- Middle
- Secondary School students
- College students
Winners in each category will receive cash prizes, aimed at encouraging youth to become eco-conscious ambassadors of change.
Haryaval Sankalp: 3.5 Lakh Saplings in Every District
Under the Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Haryaval Sankalp, the department plans to plant over 80 lakh saplings across Punjab, including rural and urban areas. This includes:
- 3.5 lakh saplings per district
- Saplings at nominal cost of ₹2
- Van Mahotsavs to be organized in every district
Minister Kataruchak emphasized that such programs are vital to safeguard air quality and climate resilience, adding, “This is not just about trees. It’s about securing breathable air for future generations.”
Agroforestry and Compensatory Afforestation
The Minister highlighted the need to boost agroforestry, citing its role in promoting biodiversity and sustainable land use. Key plantation plans include:
- 2.5 lakh Poplar and Drek saplings along link roads
- 3 lakh Eucalyptus saplings
- Plantation in 582.25 hectares under compensatory afforestation
- Soil and water conservation projects in 50 hectares in Pathankot
The state is also actively pursuing afforestation in industrial zones and educational institutions.
Green Punjab Mission and Pavittar Van Scheme
Under the Green Punjab Mission, the state targets plantation of 3.31 lakh saplings across 331 hectares, specifically in:
- Schools
- Colleges
- Punjab Mandi Board premises
- Markfed facilities
In addition:
- 52 Pavittar Vans will be established under the Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Pavittar Van Scheme
- 289 ‘Nanak Bagichis’ will be planted in schools and colleges
- 93 Nanak Bagichis will be established in industrial areas
These sacred groves aim to combine spiritual reverence with ecological awareness.
Leadership Spearheading the Mission
The green blueprint was discussed at a high-level meeting held at the Forest Complex in Sector 68, Mohali, chaired by Minister Kataruchak. Senior officials present included:
- Dharminder Sharma, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests
- Saurav Gupta, APCCF cum CEO PUNCAMPA
- Basanta Raj Kumar, APCCF (Administration)
- Nidhi Srivastava, CCF (Hills)
- Mr. Kannan, CF, Shivalik Circle
Minister Kataruchak reiterated the need to sensitize citizens, adding that preserving nature is “a collective responsibility to leave a healthier Punjab for future generations.”
Conclusion
The Punjab Forest Department’s 2025-26 plantation roadmap reflects a comprehensive and inclusive approach to environmental conservation, combining policy, public engagement, and cultural heritage. From transforming highways into floral corridors to planting millions of trees, Punjab is setting a benchmark in sustainable governance — one sapling at a time.