Kataruchak Launches Pilot Project to Plant Flowery Saplings on Highways in 5 Punjab Districts
Chandigarh, July 17, 2025 –
In a major green initiative, Punjab Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak on Thursday announced the launch of a pilot project to plant flowery saplings along highways in five districts of the state. A state-level committee will be formed to monitor and review the implementation of the project at regular intervals.
Addressing the media at Punjab Bhawan, the Minister said that the project will begin in Rupnagar (with special focus on Sri Anandpur Sahib), Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (Khatkar Kalan area), Sangrur, Pathankot, and Amritsar. Under the plan, saplings will be planted every 500 metres on both sides of highways, with only species that grow up to 5–7 feet in height to ensure visibility and safety.
To protect the saplings from stray animals, fencing will be installed, and special care will be taken to ensure their healthy growth. The initiative is also expected to generate employment opportunities under MGNREGA, Kataruchak added.
Month-Long Literary Competitions to Celebrate Shiv Kumar Batalvi’s Legacy
The Minister also unveiled a month-long poetry and declamation contest campaign to be launched on July 23 from Batala, marking the birth anniversary of renowned Punjabi poet Shiv Kumar Batalvi. The central theme of the contests will be tree and environmental protection, aiming to instill ecological consciousness in the younger generation.
Competitions will be held in four categories:
The top three winners at the state level in each category will receive cash prizes of ₹51,000, ₹31,000, and ₹21,000 respectively. The contests, to be organized under the Education Department, will be judged by eminent Punjabi literary figures.
Forest Cover on the Rise
Highlighting the government’s achievements in afforestation, Kataruchak said that Punjab’s forest area has increased from 3,144.47 sq km in 2021 to 3,321.24 sq km in 2023 under the current administration.
Present during the briefing were Forests Secretary Priyank Bharti, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Dharminder Sharma, and Conservator of Forests (Shivalik Circle) Kannan.