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Haryana Unveils ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’ to Strengthen Green Initiatives

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The Haryana Government has launched its ambitious environmental initiative, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0 (EPMKN 2.0), targeted for 2025–26. This campaign aims to enhance ecological sustainability through extensive tree planting and proactive community involvement.

A comprehensive action plan was discussed during a high-level meeting led by Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi on Monday. Senior officials reviewed how to align this initiative with national missions and ensure effective coordination at the district level.

Chief Secretary Rastogi emphasized the “Whole of Government” and “Whole of Society” approach of EPMKN 2.0. He noted that it would be integrated with key national schemes such as MGNREGA, Jal Shakti Abhiyan, Swachh Bharat Mission, Smart Cities Mission, and the National Green Highways Mission. This integration is expected to greatly enhance both the impact and outreach of the initiative, promoting sustainable environmental practices through collaborative efforts. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of reviewing last year’s plantation data to ensure proper maintenance and to prepare progress reports accordingly.

The 2025–26 campaign will emphasize large-scale plantation efforts, particularly through Eco Clubs for the Mission LiFE initiative in schools, as outlined by the Department of School Education. “Fostering environmental responsibility from a young age will yield long-term societal benefits,” remarked the Chief Secretary, highlighting the essential role of student involvement.

In addition to schools, the State Forest Department, Urban Local Bodies, and other departments such as Horticulture and Public Works, along with community organizations and volunteers, will be actively engaged in planting efforts. These initiatives will prioritize areas around riverbanks, canal bunds, Amrit Sarovars, and other water bodies, in line with this year’s ‘Catch the Rain 2025’ theme under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan.

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To ensure effective implementation, Chief Secretary Rastogi instructed all Deputy Commissioners to set up District Plantation Committees. These committees will be tasked with identifying suitable plantation sites, assessing land availability, forecasting sapling needs, and coordinating efforts across departments.

Departments are required to provide information on available planting land and collaborate with local nurseries for a timely supply of saplings. They must also submit comprehensive aftercare plans for the saplings planted during the campaign.

Additionally, district administrations are tasked with launching intensive social media campaigns to raise environmental awareness under EPMKN 2.0. Students will be encouraged to lead planting initiatives on school, college, and university campuses, thereby promoting local ownership and environmental stewardship.

Anand Mohan Sharan, Additional Chief Secretary for Environment, Forests & Wildlife, reported that in 2024–25, Haryana successfully planted 1.87 crore saplings—52.21 lakh in urban areas and 134.44 lakh in rural regions. This initiative engaged 51 government departments and numerous citizens, illustrating the state’s ongoing commitment to climate action and ecological preservation.

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National

MBBS Student Alleges She Was Drugged, Raped by Friend in Delhi Hotel

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New Delhi: An 18-year-old MBBS student has accused a 20-year-old male friend of drugging and sexually assaulting her at a hotel in Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar area. The alleged incident took place on September 9, police officials said.

According to the complaint, the accused, who is also a medical student, invited the woman to “Hotel Apple” on the pretext of spending time together. Once there, he allegedly gave her a drink laced with drugs and then raped her.

The survivor told police that the accused recorded obscene videos and took pictures during the assault. He later threatened to make the content viral if she reported the incident.

The woman, a native of Jind in Haryana, is currently staying at the hostel of Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College in Rohini, Delhi.

Based on her complaint, police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. A search is underway to locate and arrest the accused, officials added.

In a separate case earlier this month, a school manager in Uttar Pradesh was arrested for allegedly raping a Class 8 student. In February, a tuition teacher in Delhi’s CR Park area was accused of repeatedly raping a 15-year-old student over three years and threatening her with blackmail.

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8 Patients Dead In Jaipur Hospital Fire

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Jaipur: Eight patients died after a fire broke out at the trauma centre of the state-run Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur late Sunday night.

Officials said the blaze started in the storage area of the Neuro ICU, possibly due to a short circuit. There were 11 patients in the ICU at the time. Smoke quickly spread, causing panic among patients and staff.

Hospital workers and attendants tried to rescue patients, even moving them out on their beds. Firefighters controlled the blaze in about two hours.

Families of the victims alleged that hospital staff ignored early warnings about smoke and fled during the fire.

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and other ministers visited the hospital to review the situation and assured a detailed probe into the incident.

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75-Year-Old Man Marries 35-Year-Old, Dies Before Honeymoon

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Uttar Pradesh: A 75-year-old man who remarried in search of companionship died barely hours after his wedding, sparking shock and speculation in his village.

The deceased, identified as Sangruram, a resident of Kuchhmuchh village in Jaunpur district, had been living alone after losing his first wife a year ago. With no children, he supported himself through farming. Despite advice from relatives against remarriage, Sangruram wed 35-year-old Manbhavati, a resident of Jalalpur area, on Monday, September 29.

The marriage was first registered in court, followed by traditional rituals at a local temple. According to Manbhavati, the couple spent most of the wedding night conversing, as Sangruram assured her that she would take responsibility for the household while he would “take care of the children.”

However, by the next morning, his health deteriorated suddenly. He was rushed to hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

The unexpected death has triggered varied reactions in the village. While some residents believe it to be a natural occurrence given his age, others have expressed suspicion about the circumstances.

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Relatives, including nephews residing in Delhi, have halted funeral rites until their arrival. They have also raised questions about whether a police inquiry or post-mortem examination will be conducted before the cremation.

Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding further investigation.

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