Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav and Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, and Power Manohar Lal on Saturday jointly launched the ‘Matri Van’ initiative, a theme-based urban forest spanning 750 acres in the Aravalli Hill area along the Gurugram-Faridabad Road. The initiative, part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ programme, aims to enhance ecological preservation and foster community participation, marking a significant step towards urban sustainability.
The launch event, organized by the Haryana Forest Department as part of Van Mahotsav 2025, was attended by Haryana Minister for Industries and Forest, Rao Narbir Singh, along with senior public representatives and state government officials. Describing the ‘Matri Van’ as a green legacy, Yadav emphasized that the forest would serve as the “heart and lung” for the entire Delhi NCR region. He thanked the Haryana government for allocating the land, currently covered with thorny bushes, and transforming it into a vibrant urban forest by planting tree species native to the Aravallis.
Yadav highlighted the initiative’s alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of rejuvenating the Aravalli range through afforestation with local species. He underscored the role of Mother Nature in human well-being and described the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign as a pioneering effort to express gratitude towards nature. The minister also outlined the principles of Mission LiFE, including saving food, water, and energy, managing solid and e-waste, banning single-use plastics, and promoting healthy lifestyles.
Addressing the gathering, Manohar Lal stressed the global challenge of carbon emissions and urged citizens to adopt the tradition of preventing deforestation and planting more trees to become ‘Van Mitras’. He noted that India’s renewable energy share has surpassed 50 percent in the country’s energy mix, significantly reducing carbon emissions. He called for metro cities like Gurugram to lead by example through initiatives like green buildings, eco-tourism, wildlife safaris, and biodiversity parks.
The ‘Matri Van’ project aims to create a unique ecological and cultural space through multi-stakeholder collaboration involving CSR partners, resident welfare associations, NGOs, multinational corporations, school children, and government organizations. The initiative includes clearing invasive species like Kabuli Kikar and planting native trees such as Dhak, Amaltash, Bargad, Peepal, Gullar, Bael Patra, Imli, Pilkhan, Neem, Semal, Khirni, Desi Kadam, Bamboo, and Aravalli-specific species like Dhauk, Salar, Kullu, Khairi, and shrubs like Goya Khair and Gangeran.
The urban forest will feature specialized plantation groves, including Bodhi Vatika with Bargad and Peepal trees, a Bamboosetum with various bamboo species, an Aravalli Species Arboretum, Pushp Vatika with flowering trees, Sugandh Vatika with fragrant species, a Medicinal Plants Vatika, Nakshtra Vatika, Rashi Vatika, a Cactus Garden, and a Butterfly Garden. Additional amenities include nature trails, cycle tracks, yoga spaces, gazebos, public facilities, parking at four corners, a treated water irrigation system, and waterbodies to conserve water and mitigate urban flooding.
Earlier in the day, the ministers reviewed the Aravalli Jungle Safari Park and participated in a sapling plantation drive at five locations identified by the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation in IMT Manesar.
The ‘Matri Van’ is expected to enhance biodiversity, promote public well-being, and position Gurugram as a model for clean and green urban development, setting a benchmark for other cities to follow.