HIRD Director Dr. Virender Singh Chauhan calls upon to make Environmental Conservation a Mass Movement

Yamunanagar, June 6, 2026: A special Gram Sabha was organized in the Bandi Gram Panchayat of Yamunanagar district to mark World Environment Day. Director of the Haryana Institute of Rural Development (HIRD), Dr. Virender Singh Chauhan, attended the event as the chief guest. Discussions during the meeting focused on critical issues such as environmental conservation, water conservation, sanitation, wastewater drainage, and the creation of a drug-free society.

Chief Guest Dr. Chauhan stated that environmental conservation should evolve into a mass movement rather than remaining a mere one-day campaign. He emphasized that, given the rising pollution, water crisis, and excessive exploitation of natural resources, it is the responsibility of every citizen to play an active role in protecting the environment. A safe and healthy environment for future generations can only be ensured by conserving trees and plants, saving water, and maintaining cleanliness. During the event, the chief guest planted a sapling in the park located by the village pond, conveying a message of environmental conservation. He also urged the villagers to plant as many trees as possible and ensure their regular care.

HIRD Director, Dr. Chauhan noted that under the leadership of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Panchayat Minister Krishan Lal Panwar, the Haryana government is continuously working towards rural development and the empowerment of Panchayats. Basic amenities in villages are being expanded through various schemes, and development works are being accelerated through public participation. He remarked that addressing people's grievances through Gram Sabhas is a significant step towards good governance.

Expressing particular concern regarding water conservation during the meeting, Dr. Chauhan stated that saving water for future generations is a collective responsibility. He announced the formation of a special water conservation committee, with the participation of villagers, which would conduct door-to-door outreach to raise awareness about the importance of water. Committee members will encourage villagers to prevent water wastage, adopt rainwater harvesting, and use water judiciously in their daily lives.

He stated that unless serious efforts towards water conservation are initiated immediately, the water crisis could escalate significantly in the future. Therefore, every citizen should become an active participant in the campaign to save water, embracing the resolve that "if there is water, there is a future."

Welcoming the chief guest and others, Village Sarpanch Balwan Singh affirmed the Panchayat's commitment to village development, sanitation, and public welfare initiatives. A large number of villagers attended the event, including Village Secretary Sanjeev Kumar, Neelam Chhikara (Consultant, State Panchayat Resource Center), and Saurabh Arora (HRDI).