DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that programs like 'Raahgiri' not only foster a sense of unity and harmony among people but are also effective in making the youth mentally and physically robust.

Chief Minister Nayab Singh was addressing public at the Raahgiri program organized near Herbal Park in Ambala city under the Haryana Uday Programme. Before this, the Chief Minister cycled himself near the PWD Rest House in Ambala city, promoting a message of good health. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also spread the message of the campaign 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' run by the Forest, Environment, and Wildlife Department, and planted a tree himself.

The Chief Minister expressed his fortune at participating in the Raahgiri program on the sacred land of Ambala and congratulated everyone for being part of the event. He said that the Raahgiri program sends a good message of staying healthy and staying away from

drugs menace.

The Chief Minister mentioned that on June 5th, World Environment Day, Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi launched the campaign named 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam'. Notably, the Chief Minister initiated this campaign from Karnal on July 13th and continued it today by planting saplings in Ambala.

This campaign will be run during the monsoon by all educational institutions, social-religious organizations, and government departments. He urged planting more saplings to keep the environment clean and maintain temperature balance, and to take care of them until they become trees. During the program, the Forest Department also distributed more than five thousand fruit and shade-giving saplings.

While interacting with media persons, Chief Minister, said that over the past ten years, millions of trees have been planted in the state, and this year alone, more than 1.5 crore trees have been planted so far. Through Agroforestry, saplings have also been planted in farmers' fields.

He appealed to people to plant a tree on their child's birthday, anniversary, or other social celebrations to make these events memorable. He also honored the martyrs who protected the motherland during the first spark of the freedom movement that rose from Ambala's soil on June 8, 1857.

The Raahgiri program featured 23 activities related to various physical activities, including sports like tug of war, kabaddi, football, weightlifting, mallakhamb, street plays, and volleyball. The Chief Minister also played a volleyball match and encouraged young players. During this, he presented mementos to international gymnast Yogeshwar Singh and international judo player Surender Singh to boost their morale.
(editor@dailyworld.in)