‘Matri Van’ to serve as the green heart and lungs of Delhi-NCR: Bhupender Yadav

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, on Saturday said that the ‘Matri Van’ green cover will act as the heart and lungs for the entire Delhi-NCR region.

He was speaking during the ceremonial launch of the theme-based urban forest in Gurugram, along with Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Power, Manohar Lal Khattar.

Advertisement

Organised by the Forest Department of Haryana under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ programme of the Government of India, the event formed part of Van Mahotsav 2025, aimed at promoting ecological preservation and community participation.

According to official sources, the theme-based urban forest will be developed over 750 acres in the Aravalli Hill area along the Gurugram-Faridabad Road. The reforested landscape is expected to enhance biodiversity, public well-being, and urban sustainability.

Tree plantation and restoration efforts will be carried out with the support of various stakeholders, including Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partners, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), NGOs, multinational corporations (MNCs), school children, and government organisations.

Speaking at the event, Yadav stated that the current forest land, mostly covered with thorny shrubs, will be transformed into ‘Matri Van’ by planting native tree species of the Aravallis.

“This project will provide the public—both young and elderly—with a serene environment conducive to a healthy and stress-free life. Gurugram will emerge as a clean and green city, setting an example of an Ideal Millennium City for others to follow,” he said.

Urging citizens to adopt the tradition of protecting forests, Khattar appealed to residents to become ‘Van Mitras’ and increase green cover by planting more trees.

According to a press statement, the ‘Matri Van’ will involve the removal of invasive species like Kabuli Kikar (Prosopis juliflora) and the plantation of native trees such as Dhak and Amaltash, along with theme-based groves to restore the local ecology.

Other native species such as Bargad, Peepal, Gullar, Bael Patra, Imli, Pilkhan, Neem, Semal, Khirni, Desi Kadam, Bamboo, and Aravalli-specific trees like Dhauk, Salar, Kullu, Khairi, and shrubs like Goya Khair, Gangeran, Marod Falli will also be planted.

These urban forests will also feature nature trails, cycling tracks, yoga spaces, gazebos, public facilities, and parking areas.

To tackle water scarcity and urban flooding, the reforested zone will be equipped with treated water irrigation systems, misting, sprinkling setups, and water bodies at designated locations.

_{Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their legal original owners.}