Haryana is one of India’s least forested states, with nearly 81% of its geographical area under agriculture. This unique land-use pattern presents significant challenges in enhancing forest and tree cover while meeting the developmental needs of the State. Despite these constraints, the Haryana Forest Department remains committed to conserving, restoring, and expanding forest resources through scientific management, community participation, and sustainable development.
Forests are indispensable for maintaining ecological balance, conserving biodiversity, regulating the hydrological cycle, improving air quality, and mitigating the impacts of climate change through carbon sequestration. Recognising these vital ecosystem services, the Department is working to enhance forest and tree cover while improving the health and productivity of existing forests.
Our vision is to develop resilient forest landscapes through restoration of degraded ecosystems, promotion of agroforestry and urban forestry, and conservation of the ecologically significant Shivalik and Aravalli landscapes. Special emphasis is being placed on protecting wetlands and wildlife habitats, conserving sacred groves, and strengthening biodiversity through science-based management and community participation.
The Department continues to implement large-scale plantation programmes on forest lands, Panchayati lands, institutional campuses, roadsides, canal banks, village ponds, and private farmlands. Innovative initiatives such as Miyawaki plantations are being promoted to create dense urban green spaces, while programmes like Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam and Van Mahotsav encourage citizens to actively participate in greening the State.
Priority is also being accorded to soil and water conservation in the Shivalik region, restoration of degraded forests, development of Herbal Parks, Biodiversity Parks, Nagar Vans and Oxy Vans, and promotion of nature education. The Pran Vayu Devta Pension Scheme, which honours and supports the conservation of heritage trees, reflects Haryana’s commitment to preserving its invaluable natural heritage for future generations. Modern technologies such as GIS, remote sensing, geo-tagging, and digital monitoring are increasingly being integrated into forest management for greater transparency, efficiency, and informed decision-making.
Conservation of nature is a shared responsibility. I appeal to every citizen—especially our youth, students, farmers, local communities, and institutions—to participate in plantation drives, protect forests and wildlife, conserve water resources, safeguard sacred groves, and nurture trees in their neighbourhoods. Together, we can build a greener, healthier, and climate-resilient Haryana.
The officers and staff of the Haryana Forest Department remain dedicated to implementing the Government’s programmes with professionalism, innovation, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability.
“Plant Trees, Protect Nature, Secure the Future.”
Jai Hind
Plant Trees – Save Mankind.Jai Hind