Haryana govt proposes Rs 100c Green Climate Fund

Chandigarh: In a significant move to address climate change and promote sustainable development, Haryana has proposed the creation of a Haryana Green Climate Resilient Fund with an initial provision of Rs 100 crore in the 2026-27 state budget. The announcement was made by Haryana forest and environment minister Rao Narbir Singh on Wednesday. The minister said climate change has emerged as a major global challenge, prompting govts and international organisations to invest in research, innovation and sustainable solutions. The proposed fund aims to support a range of climate-focused initiatives, including promotion of zero-emission vehicles, renewable energy, energy efficiency, water conservation, urban greening, climate-resilient agriculture and nature-based solutions. Rao Narbir Singh also announced that the state-level World Environment Day programme will be held in Gurugram on June 5. The event will showcase various environmental conservation and green development initiatives undertaken by the Haryana govt.Highlighting this year's World Environment Day theme, the minister said it underscores the importance of ecosystem restoration, clean energy adoption, sustainable lifestyles and global cooperation to tackle climate challenges. The minister further informed that the state has launched a mission-mode programme to make the 313-kilometre stretch of the Yamuna River flowing through Haryana pollution-free. The initiative, to be chaired by chief minister Nayab Singh Saini, will focus on expanding sewage treatment capacity, preventing untreated waste discharge, monitoring industrial pollution, conserving riverbanks, developing green belts and promoting groundwater recharge. He expressed confidence that these measures would accelerate Haryana's transition towards sustainable and environmentally responsible development while urging citizens to shun single-use plastic and actively participate in environmental protection efforts. MSID: 131484339 413 |