10 crore saplings to be planted across Rajasthan this year: CM Sharma

Jaipur, March 21 (IANS) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma announced an ambitious target of planting 10 crore saplings under Mission Hariyalo Rajasthan. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign, the government aims to plant 50 crore saplings.

In the financial year 2024-25, 7 crore saplings were planted, and this year, in line with the 2025-26 budget, 10 crore more will be planted, he said while addressing the state level function at Rajasthan International Center, Jaipur on the occasion of International Day of Forests, on Friday.

He said that nature is the basis of our life. "Trees, nature and mountains are worshipped in our culture and Rajasthan has had a long association with environmental conservation," he said.

He appealed that everyone should take a pledge to save forests and preserve biodiversity as well as make a green and healthy Rajasthan for the coming generations.

CM Sharma emphasised Rajasthan’s deep-rooted connection with nature and environmental conservation, urging citizens to take an oath to protect forests and biodiversity for future generations.

The Chief Minister highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to balancing forests, the environment, and climate action. He praised Rajasthan’s conservation efforts for the Great Indian Bustard, a critically endangered species, and noted that the National Wildlife Board had recently announced a National Great Indian Bustard Conservation Action Plan.

Reaffirming the state’s dedication to environmental conservation, Sharma stressed the government's focus on the 3Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

He also announced the Rajasthan Circular Economy Incentive Scheme 2025, introduced in the 2025-26 budget, to promote waste management, water conservation, and resource efficiency. In a significant move, the government is also set to introduce an agroforestry policy for the first time in Rajasthan.

Other key initiatives include: One District, One Species – Promoting conservation of native flora, establishment of Mother Forests across districts, recruitment of forest guards and creation of a Gharial Rearing Center in Sawai Madhopur’s Palighat for grassland and gharial conservation.

On the occasion, Chief Minister Sharma launched the ‘Digi-One-Forest Stack’ app, a first-of-its-kind initiative in India, aimed at enhancing transparency in forest management through IT technology.

He also inaugurated eco-tourism facilities in Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary and introduced golf cart services at Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur) and Nahargarh Biological Park. Additionally, he unveiled the Forest Soil Health Card and the Climate Change Response and Ecosystem Service Enhancement (CRESEP) logo.

The event also witnessed the foundation laying of the Forest Training and Management Institute.

The Chief Minister distributed kits to Vanmitras and honoured women personnel from the Forest Department for their outstanding contributions.

Sanjay Sharma, Minister of State for Forest, Environment, and Climate Change, acknowledged Prime Minister Modi’s vision in transforming tree plantation into a mass movement.

He highlighted Rajasthan’s innovative monitoring system to ensure sapling survival and the ongoing registration of Forest Protection and Management Committees.