Gurugram, one of India’s rapidly growing cities, has taken a massive step toward sustainability with the launch of ‘Matri Van’, a 750-acre themed urban forest nestled in the Aravalli Hills. This initiative, under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (A Tree in Mother’s Name) campaign, is designed to revitalize biodiversity and promote eco-conscious urban living.
Inauguration Led by Union Ministers
On 2nd August 2025, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, and Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal, officially launched the Matri Van project in Gurugram during Van Mahotsav 2025, organized by the Haryana Forest Department.
Dignitaries including Haryana Forest and Industry Minister Shri Rao Narbir Singh and senior government officials were also present.
Vision Behind Matri Van
“Matri Van will act as the heart and lungs of the Delhi-NCR region.”
— Shri Bhupender Yadav
Key Objectives:
- Restore native Aravalli vegetation
- Enhance urban green cover and biodiversity
- Create a model for community-driven ecological conservation
- Mitigate carbon emissions and reduce urban heat
Shri Manohar Lal encouraged citizens to become ‘Van Mitras’ (Forest Friends) by planting more trees and halting deforestation.
A Themed Urban Forest Like No Other
Located along the Gurugram-Faridabad Road, Matri Van will be a living legacy of ecological and cultural significance. The project aims to create a thriving green ecosystem through multi-stakeholder collaboration, including:
- CSR partners
- RWAs (Resident Welfare Associations)
- NGOs
- MNCs
- Students
- Government bodies
Key Tree Species:
- Banyan, Peepal, Neem, Amaltas, Bel, Imli, Bamboo, and other native trees
- Shrubs and trees native to Aravallis like Dhok, Khair, Salar, Kullu, Marod Phali
Unique Theme-Based Gardens
The forest will include several theme-based plantations and eco-zones:
| Garden Type | Description |
| Bodhi Vatika | Sacred tree grove with Peepal, Banyan, Gular |
| Bambusetum | A collection of bamboo species |
| Aravalli Arboretum | Preserves indigenous forest species |
| Flower Garden | Seasonal flowering trees |
| Fragrance Garden | Aromatic plants and trees |
| Medicinal Garden | Ayurveda-based flora |
| Nakshatra Vatika | Zodiac-based plantation |
| Rashi Vatika | Astrological tree alignment |
| Cactus Garden | Drought-resistant species |
| Butterfly Park | Pollinator-attracting plants |
Facilities & Infrastructure
To support recreation, awareness, and sustainability, Matri Van will include:
- Nature trails and cycling tracks
- Yoga zones, gazebos, and seating spaces
- Rainwater harvesting ponds
- Treated water irrigation systems
- Fog/misting setups for dust control
- Parking zones at all corners
Officials also reviewed the Aravalli Jungle Safari Park and participated in plantation drives at selected HSIDC locations in IMT Manesar.
A People-Powered Green Movement
The project’s success depends on community involvement. Residents, students, corporates, and volunteers are invited to actively participate and adopt green practices.
Nature as Nurturer: Tribute to Mother Earth
Shri Bhupender Yadav praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of honoring Mother Nature through the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative. He emphasized the importance of reconnecting with the Earth to ensure healthier, cleaner, and calmer urban spaces.
Supporting PM’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment):
- Save food, water, and energy
- Manage solid and e-waste
- Avoid single-use plastic
- Promote a mindful, eco-friendly lifestyle
Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupendra Yadav along with Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Shri Manohar Lal launched the ‘Matri Van’ initiative in Gurugram, Haryana under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ program of the Government of India.
Gurugram’s Green Transformation
Matri Van is more than just an urban forest — it’s a blueprint for green cities. It shows how urban spaces can balance development with sustainability, offering clean air, biodiversity, and community wellness.
A city that breathes is a city that leads.
Gurugram is poised to become India’s true Millennium Green City.Would you like this blog article formatted for WordPress, Medium, or another platform? I can also help add meta description, SEO tags, or image suggestions. Let me know!
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