Punjab to plant 1.5 crore saplings to mark Guru Ravidass Ji’s 650th Parkash Purab: CM Mann
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, July 13, 2026: The Punjab Government has announced a massive plantation drive to plant 1.5 crore saplings across the state during 2026-27 to commemorate the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said on Monday.
Addressing a gathering after distributing appointment letters to newly regularised Forest Department employees, the Chief Minister said 6.5 lakh saplings will be planted in each district as part of one of the state's largest environmental conservation campaigns.
"We have planted and are continuing to plant 1.5 crore saplings during 2026-27. With the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj approaching, we have decided to plant 6.5 lakh new saplings in every district. The detailed implementation mechanism for the campaign will be announced shortly," Mann said.
The Chief Minister said the initiative aims to honour the teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj, who preached equality, compassion and social harmony, while also strengthening Punjab's green cover.
Highlighting the government's ongoing afforestation efforts, Mann said the state had earlier planted 3.5 lakh saplings in every district to commemorate the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, reaffirming the government's commitment to preserving both Punjab's spiritual heritage and the environment.
The Chief Minister also lauded the contribution of Forest Department employees and expressed confidence that they would continue to work with dedication in expanding the state's forest cover and ensuring the success of the plantation campaign.
The state government said the plantation drive forms part of its broader environmental conservation strategy aimed at improving ecological sustainability while commemorating significant religious and historical milestones.