Chandigarh, June 5: Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister, Sh. Anil Vij said that trees and plants are the true adornment of the Earth, and it is our collective responsibility to restore and preserve this natural beauty. He emphasized that the Earth we inherited from our ancestors should be passed on to future generations in the same clean and healthy condition. Supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign, “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, Sh. Vij urged every citizen to plant at least one tree in honor of their mother.
Sh. Vij was addressing a gathering as the Chief Guest at a World Environment Day programme organized at the Government PG College, Ambala Cantonment. Earlier, he planted a sapling on the college campus and conveyed the message of environmental conservation.
Extending his greetings on World Environment Day, Sh. Vij said that environmental awareness programmes are being organized across the country to promote environmental protection. He emphasized that the environment does not belong to any particular city, district, state, or nation—it belongs to the entire human race.
He noted that human life depends on the five basic elements—water, air, earth, fire, and sky—all of which are integral parts of the environment. Without these elements, life cannot exist. Therefore, ensuring clean air, pure water, fertile land, and a healthy ecosystem is a collective responsibility.
Sh. Vij expressed concern that modern society is gradually moving away from environmental purity. He pointed out that clean oxygen and uncontaminated river water are becoming increasingly scarce. While rivers are revered as life-giving entities, human activities have polluted it with waste and garbage. Similarly, despite considering trees sacred, large-scale and often unnecessary tree-cutting has reduced greenery and adversely affected environmental balance.
He said that trees are the Earth’s first inhabitants and that a green environment filled with diverse trees, flowers, and fruits is essential for ecological sustainability. However, rapid and unchecked development has led to the depletion of natural resources, making clean air harder to obtain.
*Plastic Is the Biggest Enemy of the Environment*
Sh. Vij said that excessive use of plastic for convenience has become one of the greatest threats to the environment. Plastic does not decompose easily and often blocks drains and waterways, resulting in severe environmental and urban problems. He added that environmental pollution is also contributing to serious health issues, including lung cancer and various respiratory diseases.
*Need for Organic Food and Chemical-Free Agriculture*
The Energy Minister also stressed the importance of consuming nutritious and chemical-free food. He observed that although agricultural production has increased, the nutritional quality of food has declined due to excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. As a result, people are merely filling their stomachs rather than receiving proper nourishment, leading to reduced immunity, lethargy, and various lifestyle diseases.He emphasized the growing need for organic grains and vegetables, produced without harmful chemicals. To build a healthier and stronger society, environmental restoration and sustainable agricultural practices must go hand in hand.
*Environmental Protection Requires Collective Action*
Sh. Vij urged citizens to plant more trees in available spaces and ensure their protection and maintenance. He cautioned that nature never forgives those who exploit it irresponsibly. Referring to the COVID-19 lockdown period, he recalled how rivers became cleaner and the environment noticeably improved when human interference was reduced. He said that maintaining a clean and beautiful environment is a shared responsibility and that everyone must work together toward the common goal of protecting humanity and ensuring a sustainable future.
*Government College Has Emerged as a Major Educational Institution*
Speaking about the Government PG College, Ambala Cantonment, Sh. Vij said that the institution has grown into a major educational center, benefiting nearly 5,000 students and offering 20–25 academic courses. He recalled the efforts and struggles involved in establishing the college and expressed satisfaction that it has become a preferred institution not only for students from Ambala Cantonment but also from surrounding areas. He noted that the college consistently produces excellent academic results.
*Struggled Hard to Establish the College*
Sh. Vij shared that during the tenure of former Chief Minister Bansi Lal, he had strongly advocated for the establishment of a government college at the site where a government school once stood. He recalled facing public opposition during the initial stages of the project, with some residents even protesting outside his residence. However, after explaining that the college would provide affordable and accessible education to local students, public opinion changed, and the project eventually gained widespread support.
During the programme, Sh. Vij honored 10 students for their outstanding academic achievements by presenting them with certificates of appreciation. He also announced a cash incentive of ₹11,000 each for these students. Additionally, he informed the gathering that discussions had already been held with the Education Minister regarding the construction of the college boundary wall and additional classrooms, and work on these projects would begin soon.
On the occasion, Deputy Conservator of Forests Naresh Ranga and College Principal Dr. Deshraj Bajwa felicitated the Chief Guest by presenting him with a memento and a shawl.
Among those present were SDM Kanika Goyal, Principal Dr. Deshraj Bajwa, DFO Naresh Ranga, Municipal Council Chairperson Swaran Kaur, Vice-Chairman Lalta Prasad, Mandal President Ravi Budhiraja, Harsh Bindra, Bijender Chauhan, B.S. Bindra, Shyam Sunder Arora, Aarti Sehgal, Fakir Chand Saini, Ashish Aggarwal, Deepak Bhasin, Balkesh Vats, Anuj Yadav, other party functionaries, distinguished citizens, students, and staff members.
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