India’s Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupinder Yadav, and Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Power, Shri Manohar Lal, have launched the ‘Marti Van’ initiative in Gurugram as part of the Government’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ programme. The initiative, organized by the Haryana Forest Department during Van Mahotsav 2025, aims to promote ecological preservation and community involvement. The theme-based urban forest will be developed over 750 acres in the Aravalli Hill region, aiming to enhance biodiversity, urban sustainability, and public well-being. The initiative aims to promote non-fossil fuel-based power generation and encourages green buildings, eco-tourism, and biodiversity parks.
In a significant step towards urban ecological revival, Union Environment Minister Bhupinder Yadav inaugurated the ‘Marti Van’ Urban Forest Project in Gurugram, Haryana. The initiative, part of a broader environmental conservation strategy under the Amrit Vatika campaign, aims to develop sustainable green spaces within city limits while promoting community participation. Marti Van, translating to “Mother Forest,” is designed to honour the nurturing role of mothers by creating a nurturing ecosystem within the urban sprawl. The plantation drive is a part of Mission Life (Lifestyle for Environment)—a government-led initiative advocating for climate-conscious lifestyles. (Arisinfra Solutions)
Urban Forestry and Community Impact
The ‘Marti Van’ initiative blends environmental conservation with urban planning, aiming to address the rising heat island effect in rapidly developing cities like Gurugram. According to Bhupinder Yadav, such forests can help regulate temperature, enhance biodiversity, and improve air quality. The project will include planting over 30,000 native trees and shrubs using the Miyawaki method, known for rapid afforestation in small urban spaces. This technique has previously been used in multiple Indian cities including The involvement of local communities, especially women and schoolchildren, is central to the project’s success, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship from a young age.
Once known for rapid urbanization and poor air quality, Gurugram is now witnessing a shift towards nature-based solutions. Projects like Marti Van are part of Haryana’s larger climate vision, which includes eco-restoration, wetland development, and groundwater recharge zones. In recent years, initiatives like the (Gurujal Project) have already proven the viability of integrated urban water and forest management.
Role of Bhupinder Yadav and MoEFCC
As the current Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Bhupender Yadav has been vocal about blending traditional Indian values with modern ecological solutions. His role in green urban planning, forest conservation, and international environmental negotiations has brought increased visibility to such initiatives. In his launch address, he emphasized the symbolic connection between motherhood and nature, encouraging people to dedicate each planted tree to their mother. This emotional and cultural dimension is expected to deepen citizens’ engagement with the forest and reinforce environmental responsibility.
Gurugram’s Urban Greening Vision
Gurugram, a city often criticized for its concrete sprawl and poor air quality, is increasingly turning to nature-based solutions to tackle environmental challenges. The launch of Marti Van fits within the city’s broader green master plan, which also includes eco-restoration of degraded Aravalli zones and expansion of city forests. Projects like the Gurujal water conservation mission and Biodiversity Parks by HUDA to making the city greener and more resilient to climate risks.
National and Global Alignment
The Marti Van project also aligns with India’s commitment to the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030). With increasing urbanization, such local actions are crucial for fulfilling India’s climate goals under the Paris Agreement and targets outlined in its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). It echoes the government’s vision for a green India, outlined under the National Mission for a Green India, which promotes afforestation and eco-restoration on degraded lands.
