Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh, June 5 -
On the occasion of World Environment Day, the Forest Department, Haryana organized a unique and heartwarming celebration focused on the reverence of nature. The event centred around the veneration of "Pran Vayu Devta," venerable trees exceeding 75 years of age.
The Haryana Forest Department celebrated World Environment Day at Bhondsi, district Gurugram. During this Paranvayu Devta trees were worshipped. The ceremony was attended by APCCF (South), Sh. Anant Prakash Pandey, DFO Gurugram and Sh. Rajeev Tejyan. Representatives from the local community, along with forest officials, also participated in the ceremony.
In Gurugram,Anant Praksh Pandey, APCCF (South) along with Rajeev Tejyan, DFO Gurugram participated in the veneration ceremony of Pran Vayu Devta trees at Bhondsi. Forest officials, along with representatives from local community participated in the rituals.
Speaking on this occasion, Anant Prakash Pandey emphasized the importance of promoting tree plantation and also highlighted that environmental protection is a need of the hour.
Meanwhile, similar veneration ceremonies were conducted simultaneously across all the South Circle's divisions – Gurugram, Faridabad, Rewari, Palwal, Nuh, and Mewat (M'garh). Forest staff in each division, including the respective Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs), actively participated in these local ceremonies. The enthusiasm was further amplified by the active involvement of local communities. The venerable trees were adorned with sacred threads and offered prayers, acknowledging their vital role in providing clean air, maintaining ecological balance, and enriching the local environment.
The World Environment Day program by the South Circle Forest Department served a dual purpose. It effectively raised awareness about environmental protection while fostering a deep respect for nature among the community. The widespread veneration of "Pran Vayu Devta" trees across all divisions stands as a commendable initiative, setting a strong example for the integration of traditional ecological wisdom with contemporary conservation practices. This celebration serves as a testament to the Forest Department's commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.