Gurugram: A major green initiative was launched in Haryana’s Aravalli region on August 2 as Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, and Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Power, Manohar Lal, presided over the ceremonial launch of the ‘Matri Van’ project. This large-scale urban afforestation effort falls under the Government of India’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ programme and aims to restore and rejuvenate 750 acres of Aravalli hill terrain in Gurugram.
The event, organized by the Haryana Forest Department as part of Van Mahotsav 2025, witnessed participation from Haryana’s Minister for Industries and Forest, Rao Narbir Singh, along with senior public officials, civil society members, and schoolchildren.
Matri Van: Green Legacy in the Heart of the NCR
The ‘Matri Van’ project is envisioned as a thematic urban forest promoting ecological harmony, public wellness, and urban sustainability. Situated along the Gurugram-Faridabad Road, this 750-acre green zone will serve as a cultural and environmental landmark.
Its development is based on a multi-stakeholder model involving CSR partners, NGOs, RWAs, government agencies, school communities, and corporate entities. The initiative aligns with India’s broader push for nature-led solutions in tackling urban challenges.
Manohar Lal Urges Citizens to Become ‘Van Mitras’
Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Manohar Lal emphasized the threat posed by rising carbon emissions. He stressed that while carbon capture technology is key, India must also rely on traditional ecological practices like tree plantation and forest preservation.
Encouraging citizens to take on the role of ‘Van Mitras’ or friends of the forest, he called for greater public participation in safeguarding green cover. The Minister also highlighted India’s clean energy achievements, noting that over 50% of the national energy mix now comes from non-fossil fuel sources.
He urged cities like Gurugram to become exemplars of sustainable urbanization through initiatives such as green buildings, biodiversity parks, and eco-tourism models like jungle safaris.
Bhupender Yadav: ‘Matri Van Will Be the Lungs of NCR’
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav underlined the significance of ‘Matri Van’ as the ecological heart of Delhi-NCR. He appreciated the Haryana government’s commitment in offering the land and support for the project, which currently consists of thorny undergrowth and will be transformed through afforestation.
He noted that the forest would include indigenous Aravalli species and become a healing green space for people of all ages. The project, he said, would help make Gurugram a clean, green, and model ‘Millennium City’.
Yadav also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the vision behind rejuvenating the Aravallis. He linked the initiative to the PM’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, which he described as a heartfelt expression of gratitude to Mother Nature.
Mission LiFE & Green Urban Infrastructure
Minister Yadav reiterated the principles of Mission LiFE, highlighting key behavioral changes like saving food, water, and energy, banning single-use plastic, and adopting healthy lifestyles. These lifestyle changes, he said, represent India’s environmental ethos on the global stage.
He emphasized that ‘Matri Van’ aligns with these goals and strengthens India’s green urban infrastructure through local species-based plantations and ecosystem restoration.
Theme-Based Groves to Celebrate Indian Ecology
The ‘Matri Van’ project will feature a wide variety of native trees, including Bargad, Peepal, Gullar, Neem, Semal, Bamboo, and several Aravalli-specific species such as Dhauk, Kullu, Khairi, and Marod falli.
Ten distinct groves will be established, each reflecting India’s rich ecological and cultural heritage:
- Bodhi Vatika: Bargad, Peepal, Gullar, Pilkhan
- Bamboosetum: Bamboo species collection
- Aravalli Species Arboretum
- Pushp Vatika: Flowering tree varieties
- Sugandh Vatika: Aromatic plant species
- Medicinal Plants Vatika
- Nakshatra Vatika
- Rashi Vatika
- Cactus Garden
- Butterfly Garden
Other features include yoga zones, walking trails, cycle tracks, gazebos, water conservation structures, parking areas, and a treated water-based irrigation system.
Aravalli Safari and Plantation Drive at IMT Manesar
Earlier in the day, the dignitaries reviewed progress on the Aravalli Jungle Safari Park. They also participated in a plantation drive at five locations within IMT Manesar, identified by HSIIDC, further reinforcing the state’s forestation commitment.
