Gurugram, August 2, 2025 – In a powerful tribute to Mother Nature, Union Ministers Shri Bhupender Yadav and Shri Manohar Lal launched the ‘Matri Van’ initiative in Gurugram. This massive 750-acre urban forest in the Aravalli Hills is set to transform the air quality and ecosystem of the entire Delhi NCR region.
A Living Legacy: ‘Matri Van’ in Gurugram
The Matri Van urban forest is not just a tree-planting project. It’s a movement. Built under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, this initiative blends ecological sustainability with emotional connection, encouraging every citizen to plant a tree in the name of their mother.
The initiative is spearheaded by the Forest Department of Haryana as part of Van Mahotsav 2025. Union Minister for Environment Shri Bhupender Yadav called it the “heart and lung for the whole of Delhi NCR.”
750 Acres of Hope in the Aravalli Hills
The forest will rise on land currently overrun by thorny bushes. These will be replaced with native trees and shrubs that are well-suited for the semi-arid conditions of the Aravalli range.
The forest is being built along the Gurugram-Faridabad Road. Its development will be supported by CSR partners, schools, RWAs, NGOs, MNCs, and government agencies, making it a true example of community-driven environmental action.
Theme-Based Groves: A Forest with a Soul
What makes Matri Van truly unique is its theme-based plantation zones. These groves are designed to educate, inspire, and offer a sensory experience:
- Bodhi Vatika: Banyan, Peepal, and Gular trees for spiritual wellness.
- Bamboosetum: A collection of bamboo species.
- Pushp Vatika: A garden of flowering trees like Amaltash and Semal.
- Sugandh Vatika: Fragrant plants and herbs for aromatherapy.
- Medicinal Plants Vatika: Healing plants like Neem and Bael.
- Nakshatra Vatika: Trees linked to zodiac signs.
- Butterfly Garden and Cactus Zone for biodiversity and resilience education.
Why Matri Van Matters
Delhi NCR faces critical air pollution and urban heat island effects. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi’s air quality index remains in the “poor” category on most days.
“Matri Van will purify the air, cool the landscape, and offer a peaceful retreat for lakhs of people,” said Shri Bhupender Yadav. He emphasized that this forest would play a vital role in climate resilience, biodiversity restoration, and urban health.
Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal added that cities like Gurugram must lead the way in green buildings, biodiversity parks, and eco-tourism. He urged every citizen to become a ‘Van Mitra’—a friend of the forest—by preventing deforestation and promoting tree planting.
Carbon Capture and Urban Cooling
India is rapidly shifting toward renewable energy. With over 50% of power now coming from non-fossil fuel sources, Matri Van adds a natural dimension to carbon capture.
Tree species like Peepal, Neem, and Bamboo not only absorb carbon but also release oxygen in large quantities. The forest will also help in groundwater recharge and prevent urban flooding through waterbodies and soil retention strategies.
Nature Trails, Yoga Zones, and Eco-Tourism
Matri Van will offer more than just trees. It will include:
- Walking and cycling trails
- Gazebos and rest areas
- Yoga and meditation spaces
- Rainwater harvesting systems
- Public amenities and sustainable irrigation
These features will make it an ideal destination for weekend retreats, school visits, and even eco-tourism.
PM Modi’s Vision for a Greener Future
The initiative draws inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ and Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), which promotes mindful consumption and environmental stewardship.
Shri Yadav highlighted the core themes of Mission LiFE—saving food, water, and energy; banning single-use plastics; and following a healthy lifestyle. Matri Van embodies all these values in a living, growing form.
More Than a Forest—A Movement
With active involvement from citizens, Matri Van is more than a government project. It is a grassroots green movement that calls every person to plant, protect, and preserve.
It shows how urban development and ecological preservation can go hand-in-hand. As Gurugram grows vertically, Matri Van grows roots—deep, enduring, and life-giving.
Conclusion
In the words of Shri Bhupender Yadav, Matri Van will become the “lungs of NCR.” It’s not just a forest; it’s a legacy of love, planted in the name of our mothers and nurtured for the generations to come.
