Gurugram, Aug. 3 -- Union ministers Manohar Lal Khattar and Bhupender Yadav on Saturday laid the foundation stone of Matri Van, a 750-acre theme-based urban forest near Sector 54 in Gurugram. The project aims to revive the ecological health of the Aravalli hills and expand green cover across the National Capital Region as part of the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign. Envisioned as the "green heart" of Delhi-NCR, the forest will act as a natural carbon sink, enhance air quality, and embed climate resilience into urban planning. The project is expected to be completed in five years. Inspecting the site near Sakatpur village, environment minister Yadav called it an "urban lung" for Gurugram. "Under the Green Aravalli Project, we're bringing back local biodiversity across 29 districts in five states. Matri Van will not only rejuvenate the fragile Aravalli ecosystem but also create a green legacy for generations to come," he said. Union housing and urban affairs minister Khattar added, "Gurugram must become a symbol of green growth. This project is not just about planting trees-it's about nurturing a sustainable future." The event drew schoolchildren, NGOs, RWAs, CSR teams, and volunteers. Matri Van is part of a broader green infrastructure initiative, including a 10,000-acre jungle safari across Gurugram and Nuh districts. Inspecting the site near Sakatpur, Khattar said, "The safari will preserve the natural beauty, biodiversity, and historical heritage of the Aravalli mountain range." Planned in four phases, Phase 1 will span 2,500 acres. Yadav assured full central support. Four entry points are proposed-Sohna (Delhi-Mumbai E-way), Tauru-Sohna Road, Naurangpur, and Sakatpur. Forest conservator Subhash Yadav said the site will feature indigenous trees like banyan, neem, peepal, and gulhar, and remove invasive species such as Kabuli Kikar. It will house a Nakshatra Vatika, butterfly park, and cactus garden. The project will be executed via public-private partnerships. Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India (CREDAI) Haryana VP Pankaj Singla called it a step toward "green urbanism." Real estate developers also pledged support. "This isn't just about restoring land. It's about restoring our relationship with nature," said Pankaj Singla of Mapsko Group. Paras Buildtech's Harendra Nagar added, "Our five-acre plantation drive under the Matri Van mission is a step toward restoring the ecological balance of the Aravallis and igniting a sense of stewardship among citizens."...