Gujarat CM inaugurates 75th Van Mahotsav campaign in Devbhoomi Dwarka

Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], August 9 (ANI): Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the 75th Van Mahotsav-2024 at the Harsiddhi Mata temple in the Gandhvi village of Devbhoomi Dwarka district, along with the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.

The Chief Minister also dedicated the state’s 23rd cultural forest, “Harsiddhi Van,” located by the seashore.

As part of the state’s Forest and Environment Department initiative, a program celebrating the 75th Van Mahotsav was held on Thursday at the Harshad Mata temple in Gandhvi, Kalyanpur taluka, Devbhoomi Dwarka.

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, the Chief Minister and dignitaries planted trees for the construction of “Matruvan.”

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel stated that Gujarat is currently ranked second in the nation, having planted 7.25 crore trees under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. He emphasized that in the coming days, this campaign will turn into a mass movement with the support of the public.

The Chief Minister mentioned that the world is currently facing challenges from global warming, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign on World Environment Day with the vision of increasing the Earth’s green cover.

He further mentioned that as part of this campaign, 140 crore trees are to be planted across the country. Gujarat has given a significant boost to this campaign by launching the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative during the 75th Van Mahotsav. More than 41,000 saplings have been planted in the 23rd cultural forest, “Harsiddhi Van,” in Harshad Gandhvi.

The Chief Minister further informed that 17 crore trees are planned to be planted across the state by March next year under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. As part of the 75th Van Mahotsav, the Forest Department will construct around 5,000 “Matruvans” across the state with public participation.

Emphasising the need to teach the value of tree planting, the Chief Minister said that to instil the values of tree planting and care in children, 3.25 lakh trees have already been planted in 53,000 Anganwadis across the state. Additionally, in collaboration with the Sadbhavna Vrudhashram, 40,000 trees will be planted on both sides of the Dwarka Somnath Coastal Highway.

The Chief Minister expressed his satisfaction with the beautiful cultural forest constructed near the sea in Gandhvi, Dwarka.

He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the unique idea of celebrating Van Mahotsav and promoting cultural constructions in each district.

The Chief Minister said that the PM’s vision of sustainable development, including environmental conservation, is embodied in the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, where a Matruvan is being constructed here. With the participation of the local people planting one tree each, a large forest is expected to take shape.

The Chief Minister also highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has encouraged the creation of cultural forests as part of the Van Mahotsav celebrations. The 23rd cultural forest, “Harsiddhi Van,” has been established near the Harsiddhi temple. This is the second cultural forest in Dwarka; earlier, the “Nagesh Van” was established near the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga in Dwarka.

He added that balancing the environment and green growth is the only way to ensure a healthy, prosperous, and happy future for the coming generations.

Gujarat has linked cultural forests with religious pilgrimage sites, emphasizing the importance of nature alongside pilgrimage. The Harihar Van in Somnath, the Nagesh Van in Dwarka, the Harsiddhi Van, and the Sudama Nagari tourism circuit in Porbandar, Mahatma Gandhi’s birthplace, will attract visitors.

As the nation celebrates the Amrit Kaal of its independence, this 75th Van Mahotsav will be celebrated as the Amrit Van Mahotsav, highlighting the ancient culture of environmental conservation.

With the upcoming Independence Day, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel called on every citizen to hoist the national flag at their homes as part of the “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Forest and Environment Minister Mulubhai Bera highlighted that the state-level 75th Van Mahotsav celebration in Gandhvi, Devbhoomi Dwarka district, marked the addition of the 23rd cultural forest, “Harsiddhi Van,” to the district.

Bera announced that the central government has sanctioned Rs 25 crore, while the state government has approved Rs 7.5 crore for the development of the Harshad Mataji temple and its surrounding areas.

He stated that the state government is actively implementing various social forestry schemes aimed at increasing tree cover through public participation. These initiatives encourage the use of non-productive land for afforestation, thereby creating livelihood opportunities.

He also mentioned that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the central government has initiated “Project Lion” to ensure the protection of the Asiatic lions, which are a symbol of national pride.

Minister Bera further added that the state government plans to establish a world-class lion hospital to safeguard the health of these lions. Additionally, a cheetah breeding centre is being constructed in the Banni region of Kutch. Moreover, the state government has allocated Rs 18.50 crore for the creation of a new safari park near Jasadhar in Gir East and for upgrading facilities at the Ambardi Safari Park.

He called upon all citizens to participate in the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign and contribute to making the state green, clean, and healthy through collective efforts.

The program began with a welcome address by the Principal Secretary of the Forest and Environment Department, Sanjeev Kumar, who welcomed the dignitaries.

He emphasized that Van Mahotsav is a movement dedicated to protecting nature and ensuring a green, healthy, and sustainable future for the coming generations. He noted that the celebration of Van Mahotsav extends beyond tree planting; it symbolizes a deep respect and love for nature.

A documentary film showcasing the beauty of “Harsiddhi Van” was presented by the Forest Department during the event.

On this occasion, a special coin and a commemorative postal cover were released by the Forest Department and the Post Department to mark the 75th State Forest Festival. These were unveiled by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other dignitaries.

Individuals who made significant contributions to nature conservation were honoured with the “Van Pandit Award.” The Adani Foundation was awarded a cheque of Rs 50,000, and Narayanbhai Kanjibhai Rawal received a cheque of Rs 25,000.

Other awardees included Mehsana and Bharuch Taluka Panchayats, Velu Gram Panchayat, Laxman Ravalya, Harjibhai Karena, Labhubhai Sagar, Rameshbhai Sankalia, Arvindbhai Dedania, Sanaja Chiragbhai, and the Sadbhavna Charitable Trust.

It is noteworthy that with the inauguration of “Harsiddhi Van,” which spans five acres and was developed by the state government at a cost of Rs 10 crore, Devbhoomi Dwarka district has now received its second cultural forest.

The first, “Nagesh Van,” was inaugurated by the then Chief Minister and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi near the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga in Dwarka in 2013-14. The addition of this new cultural forest further enhances the tourism appeal of Devbhoomi Dwarka.

The program was attended by Water Resources Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya, Porbandar MLA Arjun Modhwadia, Devbhoomi Dwarka District Panchayat President Riddhiba Jadeja, Jamnagar District Panchayat President Mayaben Garcher, District BJP President Mayur Gadhvi, Porbandar District BJP President Ramesh Odedra, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests U.D. Singh, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Social Forestry) Dr. A.P. Singh and other dignitaries of the government, along with a large gathering of people.