Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak today announced a series of environment-friendly initiatives aimed at promoting greenery and cleanliness. One key initiative is the launch of a pilot project to plant flowering saplings along both sides of highways. A special state-level committee will monitor the implementation and conduct regular evaluations.
The project will first roll out in five districts — Ropar (with a special focus on Sri Anandpur Sahib), Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (especially near Shaheed Bhagat Singh’s ancestral village, Khatkar Kalan), Sangrur, Pathankot, and Amritsar. Under this initiative, saplings will be planted every 500 meters on either side of highways, with only those species selected that do not grow taller than 5, 6, or 7 feet.
Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, speaking at Punjab Bhawan, assured that proper maintenance will be ensured for the healthy growth of these saplings. Fencing will also be installed to protect them from stray animals. He further added that the project would not only beautify the environment but also generate employment through the MGNREGA scheme.
ਵਾਤਾਵਰਣ ਨੂੰ ਸਾਫ਼-ਸੁਥਰਾ ਅਤੇ ਹਰਿਆ ਭਰਿਆ ਬਣਾਉਣ ਲਈ ਕਈ ਅਹਿਮ ਪਹਿਲਕਦਮੀਆਂ ਦਾ ਐਲਾਨ ਕਰਦੇ ਹੋਏ, ਜੰਗਲਾਤ ਅਤੇ ਜੰਗਲੀ ਜੀਵ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਆ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਲਾਲ ਚੰਦ ਕਟਾਰੂਚੱਕ ਨੇ ਹਾਈਵੇਜ਼ ਦੇ ਦੋਵੇਂ ਪਾਸੇ ਫੁੱਲਾਂ ਵਾਲੇ ਬੂਟੇ ਲਗਾਉਣ ਵਾਲੇ ਇੱਕ ਪਾਇਲਟ ਪ੍ਰੋਜੈਕਟ ਦਾ ਐਲਾਨ ਕੀਤਾ। ਇੱਕ ਸੂਬਾ ਪੱਧਰੀ ਵਿਸ਼ੇਸ਼ ਕਮੇਟੀ ਇਸ ਪ੍ਰੋਜੈਕਟ ਦੀ ਨਿਗਰਾਨੀ ਕਰੇਗੀ… pic.twitter.com/aqiUp3Cc3a
— Government of Punjab (@PbGovtIndia) July 17, 2025
Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak also unveiled a second major initiative to raise awareness among youth about environmental conservation. Starting July 23 — the birth anniversary of renowned poet Shiv Kumar Batalvi — declamation and poetry competitions will be organized across various educational levels: Primary (Classes I–V), Secondary (VI–X), Senior Secondary (XI–XII), and College. These contests will run for a month and begin in Batala, celebrating Batalvi’s deep connection with nature.
Winners from the initial rounds will compete at the state level. The top three in each category will be awarded cash prizes of ₹51,000, ₹31,000, and ₹21,000 respectively. The contests, overseen by the Education Department, will be judged by well-known figures from Punjabi literature.
In response to a media question, Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak also highlighted the expansion of forest cover under the current state government. He stated that Punjab’s forest area grew from 3,144.47 sq km in 2021 to 3,321.24 sq km by 2023.