In a significant move for sustainability, Haryana launches an important plan with the introduction of the State Environment Plan (SEP) 2025-26. Announced on Tuesday by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini in Panchkula, this initiative aims to make Haryana a leader in environmental protection and future-ready development. The plan focuses on achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with clear targets to improve living conditions across the state.

The SEP is more than just a framework. It includes a detailed study of Haryana’s environmental condition. The focus areas are agriculture, waste management, transport, industry, and pollution control.

The State Pollution Control Board worked with the Indian Green Service Development (IGSD) and the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) to draft this plan. A key highlight is the report A Dual Strategy Sprint Towards Sustainability. It calls for reducing both carbon dioxide emissions and short-lived climate pollutants. This approach will improve air quality and aligns with regional efforts in Punjab.

Waste management forms another crucial part of the SEP. It introduces 13 Integrated Solid Waste Management Plants to tackle growing urban challenges in cities like Mohali and Chandigarh. The plan also emphasizes improving water and air quality, which are vital for public health and well-being.

Officials noted that every component of the SEP will help Haryana use resources wisely while promoting long-term sustainability. The initiative shows the state’s proactive stance against pressing issues such as pollution, waste, and resource depletion.

The timing of this plan is vital. Global awareness of environmental challenges is growing quickly. By using innovative solutions and involving both institutions and citizens, Haryana aims to become a model state for eco-friendly growth.

Chief Minister Saini’s vision for a greener Haryana is clear in this bold step. The SEP seeks to protect resources and inspire communities to adopt sustainable practices.

In conclusion, Haryana launches an important plan that acts as a blueprint for future growth rooted in environmental responsibility. With strong policies, organizational support, and citizen involvement, the state is paving the way for a healthier tomorrow.

Government

Improving Roads in Panchkula

On Monday, Haryana CM Announces New Paver Block Roads as Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini ordered the construction of new roads in Panchkula district. These roads will replace the old, dusty “kutcha” roads and benefit 19 villages in the hilly areas of Morni and Kalka.

Panchkula is about 20 kilometers from Chandigarh. This makes it an important link between Haryana and Punjab. The new roads will help make travel easier for many people living in the region.

Details of the Road Projects

The Chief Minister has directed that a total of 61 kilometers of roads be paved. Each of these roads will be 12 feet wide. This width will help ensure smooth traffic flow for both locals and visitors.

• The road upgrades include:
• Panipat-Safidon (41 km)
• Safidon-Jind (21.65 km)
• Saha Chowk-Panchkula-Yamunanagar (four-lane road)
• Saha Chowk-Kalpi
• Tohana-Ratia

These upgrades will not only make travel easier but also improve safety for everyone using the roads.

Additional Road Projects

Beyond the 61 kilometers of paver block roads, Saini has asked officials to speed up work on several more road projects in Panchkula. These include:

• Thapali Badisher-Koti (1.68 km)
• Pinjore Mallah-Mangniwala (1.20 km)
• Gobindpur-Thathar (5.35 km)

These projects aim to enhance connectivity in Panchkula and support the growing population.

Next Steps for the Construction

During a review meeting with officials from the public works and forest departments, Saini emphasized the need for timely action. He instructed that work should begin quickly after obtaining a no-objection certificate (NoC) from the forest department. This certificate is necessary for construction in areas with trees and wildlife.

Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Arun Gupta, and Additional Chief Secretary (PWD), Anurag Agarwal, were present at the meeting. They discussed strategies to ensure that the projects are completed efficiently and on time.

Background on Panchkula

Panchkula is not just another town. It is part of the larger region around Chandigarh, which is known to be one of the cleanest cities in India. Cleaner cities often produce better living conditions and infrastructure for nearby areas, like Panchkula. The development of new roads will help improve civic services and support the needs of residents.

The Impact of Better Roads

Better roads mean more than just smoother driving. They connect communities, help businesses grow, and make it easier for people to access education and healthcare. For the hilly areas of Morni and Kalka, these roads will make it easier for residents to travel to nearby towns and cities.

Local farmers can transport their goods more easily. This can lead to increased sales and better incomes. Students will also find it easier to reach schools and colleges. Parents will have less worry about how their children get to school.

The Future of Infrastructure in Haryana

The move to replace kutcha roads with paver blocks is part of a larger plan. The Haryana government is focusing on improving rural infrastructure. This effort aims to boost the local economy and improve the quality of life for people living in these areas.

As more projects like this are developed, the future looks bright for the communities in Haryana. Residents can look forward to better roads, stronger connections, and improved services.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Haryana CM Announces New Paver Block Roads, marking a positive step for Panchkula. The construction of 61 kilometers of new paver block roads will greatly benefit the region. With prompt action and good planning, these improvements will help transform the lives of many people living in the hilly areas of Morni and Kalka.

Government

Punjab CM urges centre to consider using water from the Chenab River during a meeting with Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil in Delhi on August 5, 2025. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann highlighted that tapping into this source could help resolve the long-standing water-sharing dispute with Haryana while also pressing for the cancellation of the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal project.

The proposal comes after the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan, which has opened up opportunities for India to utilize Chenab water. Mann suggested diverting this water to dams like Ranjit Sagar, Pong, and Bhakra, with new canals built in Punjab to first meet local needs before supplying Haryana and Rajasthan.

He explained that using Chenab water would significantly reduce Punjab’s dependence on groundwater. With surface irrigation revived, farmers could benefit directly. Currently, Punjab requires 52 million acre-feet (MAF) of water but has access to only 26.75 MAF, split between 12.46 MAF from surface water and 14.29 MAF from groundwater. The Chenab diversion, Mann argued, could provide major relief to Punjab’s agriculture sector.

Mann also pushed for shelving the SYL canal in favor of alternative projects. He proposed transferring surplus Sharda River water to the Yamuna and diverting Chenab water to the Beas through the Rohtang tunnel. This approach, according to him, would secure Haryana’s needs without burdening Punjab’s already scarce resources.

Additionally, Mann insisted on revisiting the May 1994 water-sharing memorandum. He emphasized that Punjab deserves 60 percent of Yamuna’s surplus water, especially since Haryana already benefits from multiple local rivers and tributaries such as the Ghaggar, Tangri, Markanda, Saraswati, and others.

In conclusion, Punjab CM urges centre to adopt Chenab River water as a long-term and sustainable solution to Punjab’s water crisis. This move, he believes, will conserve groundwater, support farmers, and replace the controversial SYL project with fairer alternatives, ensuring equitable water management for both Punjab and Haryana.