In celebration of Van Mahotsav 2025, Chandigarh plants over 1.17 Lakh saplings citywide in 253 pre-selected spots. The UT forest department is requesting commitments from participating agencies, including government departments and business partners, to maintain the planted trees for at least three years, marking the first time the initiative has a monitoring mechanism. Gulab Chand Kataria, the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of the UT, launched the program, which establishes a standard for urban greening initiatives and demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. Emphasizing hope, balance, and a sustainable future, Kataria personally planted seedlings at 23 different locations, urging people to view the event as a commitment to the planet’s well-being rather than an annual ritual.

A Green Movement Led by Community and Governance

To make Van Mahotsav a green movement, Governor Kataria encourages everyone to share responsibility and invites families, institutions, and schools to participate in Chandigarh’s environmental revitalization. He highlighted the administration’s prior accomplishments, which have improved the city’s green cover, including the establishment of city forests and urban green corridors. His audacious pledge to sustainability is demonstrated by his promise to plant more than 5 lakh saplings around the UT this year.

Strong participation from a wide range of stakeholders, including communities, businesses, and governmental organisations, was bolstered by a new monitoring system. This technique addresses the ongoing problem of low tree survival rates on large-scale roads by mandating projects to maintain trees for a minimum of three years. Chandigarh establishes a standard for collaborative environmental stewardship by promoting this cooperative model, which combines private innovation with public accountability. In addition to enhancing green infrastructure, this strategy encourages other cities to implement inclusive plans for a sustainable future.

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Towards a Net Zero Future

The initiative aligns with Chandigarh’s ambitious plan to achieve Net-Zero Emissions status by 2030. Kataria unveiled three important environmental frameworks during the occasion: the Chandigarh Tree Map, the State Action Plan on Climate Change, and the Greening Chandigarh Action Plan. Through the integration of urban planning and climate resilience, these programs offer a blueprint for sustainable development. The city’s leadership in environmental innovation is further marked by the governor’s reaffirmation of the national mission. This unprecedented endeavour, in which Chandigarh plants over 1.17 Lakh saplings citywide, is a significant step in reducing climate change, boosting biodiversity, and leaving a more environmentally friendly legacy for coming generations.

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