‘Matri Van’ Urban Forest Initiative Launched in Gurugram: A Green Lung for Delhi-NCR. 

Gurugram:

In a landmark move to enhance green cover and restore ecological balance in the Aravalli hills, Union Ministers Bhupender Yadav and Manohar Lal today presided over the ceremonial launch of the ‘Matri Van’ initiative in Gurugram, Haryana. Spread across 750 acres in the Aravalli hill area along the Gurugram-Faridabad road, the initiative is part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign and is envisioned as an urban forest that will serve as the “heart and lungs” of Delhi-NCR.

The launch event was organized by the Haryana Forest Department as part of Van Mahotsav 2025, with the participation of dignitaries including Rao Narbir Singh, Haryana’s Minister for Industries and Forests, along with senior officials, public representatives, and local stakeholders.

A Green Legacy for Future Generations

The ‘Matri Van’ (Mother Forest) is a theme-based ecological project that not only aims to increase forest cover but also to restore native Aravalli biodiversity, promote urban sustainability, and foster public engagement in environmental conservation.

Speaking at the launch, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav stated:

“This green cover will act as a heart and lung for the whole of Delhi-NCR. Matri Van will offer a clean and serene environment, giving both youth and the elderly a space to connect with nature and lead a healthier, stress-free life.”

He acknowledged the Haryana Government’s pivotal role in making land available for this green transformation and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for championing initiatives like ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, a symbolic drive encouraging people to plant trees in honor of their mothers.

Manohar Lal: Call to Become ‘Van Mitras’

Union Minister Manohar Lal, who also oversees Housing, Urban Affairs, and Power, emphasized the urgency of tackling carbon emissions through both technology and tradition.

“While carbon capture technologies are vital, preventing deforestation and encouraging community tree planting must become a civic tradition. Every citizen should become a Van Mitra—a friend of the forest,” he said.

He highlighted that India’s non-fossil fuel power capacity has crossed 50%, showcasing how the country is taking strides in sustainable development.

He urged cities like Gurugram to lead by example in green buildings, eco-tourism, biodiversity parks, and urban forestry.

Matri Van Components: An Urban Oasis with Cultural Roots

The forest will include theme-based plantation groves and eco-friendly public infrastructure, designed to reconnect citizens with both nature and culture. Notable features include:

Theme-Based Groves:

• Bodhi Vatika: Trees like Bargad, Peepal, Gullar, Pilkhan
• Bamboosetum: Varieties of Bamboo species
• Aravalli Arboretum: Native Aravalli trees
• Pushp Vatika: Flowering species
• Sugandh Vatika: Aromatic plants
• Medicinal Plants Vatika
• Nakshatra & Rashi Vatika: Astrological-themed plantings
• Cactus and Butterfly Gardens

Infrastructure for Public Use:

• Nature trails, cycle tracks, yoga and meditation zones
• Sitting areas and gazebos
• Parking at four corners
• Sprinkler/misting systems using treated water
• Waterbodies for conservation and flood control

The forest will also see removal of invasive species such as Prosopis juliflora (Kabuli Kikar) and replanting with native, long-rotation species like Neem, Bael, Dhak, Imli, Semal, and Aravalli endemics such as Dhauk, Kullu, and Salar.

 Community Participation: A Multi-Stakeholder Vision

The project is designed to foster community ownership, with active participation from:

• CSR partners
• NGOs
• Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs)
• Multinational corporations
• School children
• Government departments

This broad-based collaboration is expected to create a people’s movement for urban forestry.

Green Corridors and Beyond

Earlier in the day, the Ministers visited the Aravalli Jungle Safari Park and participated in sapling plantation drives at five sites in IMT Manesar, identified by HSIIDC. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to integrate green corridors and increase forested zones in and around urban centers.

Under the Vision of Mission LiFE

Minister Bhupender Yadav connected the initiative to Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), which calls for sustainable practices such as:

• Saving food, water, and energy
• Effective solid and e-waste management
• Banning single-use plastics
• Promoting a healthy lifestyle

He reiterated that these values are embedded in the Matri Van project.

The Matri Van initiative in Gurugram marks a pioneering step towards urban ecological rejuvenation, deeply rooted in Indian tradition and modern environmental science. As Delhi-NCR continues to battle pollution and ecological degradation, this initiative offers a model for sustainable urban development, biodiversity conservation, and civic engagement.