mphasizing the need to strengthen bonds of unity and brotherhood in todays rapidly changing and modern era, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday said that Raahgiri should be organized every Sunday to provide a golden opportunity to connect with traditional games and Swadesi products. He stressed the importance of events like Raahgiri in fostering such relationships.   Saini, addressing the people at Raahgiri event organized by Kurukshetra District Administration at Arjun Chowk on the banks of Brahma Sarovar, said that everyone should actively participate in tree planting activities to purify the environment. He encouraged planting trees on special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and other significant days, with a commitment to care for them for at least three years.   The Government has appointed around 50,000 Van Mitras to take care of and plant trees, receiving Rs 20 per tree planted and Rs 10 per tree for maintaining the planted sapling. NGOs and social and religious institutions should also organize more tree planting programs, he added.   Saini also initiated the tree planting program by planting a Peepal tree on the sacred banks of Brahma Sarovar, dedicating it to the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign initiative by the Prime Minister.   He said that 5100 trees were planted during Raahgiri to support this campaign. Additionally, saplings were distributed to the public to encourage planting around their homes. During the Van Mahotsav, it was resolved to plant over 1.5 crore trees this monsoon season with the help of the public and various organizations.   Earlier, Chief Minister and Minister of State for Urban Local Bodies Subhash Sudha flagged off a cycle rally organized by the district sports department from Arjun Chowk. Following the rally, Chief Minister cycled to the exhibition site. The Chief Minister participated in Raksha Bandhan celebrations and visited stalls set up by various departments and self-help groups.   5 International Athletes Honoured at Raahgiri On the occasion, the Chief Minister honoured five international athletes — Surender Kumar Palad (Olympian hockey player), Manpreet Singh (international hockey player), Nancy (international shooter), Himanshi Singh (international cyclist), and Mandeep (international wrestler) — with mementos on behalf of the state government.   Distributes Tricycles, Other Equipment on Behalf of Red Cross The Chief Minister distributed tricycles and other equipment to the differently-abled on behalf of the Red Cross Society. He shared his thoughts with the differently-abled and discussed the benefits they are receiving from government schemes.   Later, the Chief Minister showcased his skills in boxing, played a game of chess, and other games during Raahgiri. He also played handball with girls. The Chief Minister spent about 40 minutes with the players. During this time, international hockey player Olympian Surender Kumar Palad, international player Manpreet, Manish Rana, and dozens of athletes discussed the installation of astroturf at Dronacharya Stadium.   Govt to Appoint 50,000 Van Mitras The Chief Minister, addressing the gathering, announced that the State Government will appoint 50,000 Van Mitras to protect the environment. The scheme aims to empower local communities to play an active role in expanding the states green cover, thereby enhancing the survival rate of newly planted trees and promoting the planting of trees outside traditional forest zones. They will be compensated Rs 20 per tree by the government.   Similarly, under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, Van Mitras will receive Rs 10 per tree for maintaining the planted saplings. The Chief Minister affirmed that the Haryana Government is committed to making the state green and pollution-free under the guidance of the Prime Minister. Therefore, the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign is being implemented in Haryana as well.   He pointed out that environmental pollution is a global concern. This year, temperatures in several districts of Haryana reached 50 degrees Celsius, which is alarming. He urged every family to plant at least one tree and take a pledge to plant trees on occasions like birthdays, wedding anniversaries, or any other celebration to contribute to environmental protection. The Chief Minister revealed that the state government annually conducts tree planting campaigns like Har Ghar Hariyali and Paudhagiri with citizen participation.

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