Jaipur, July 28 -- Chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Sunday announced a target of planting 100 million saplings this year under the Hariyalo Rajasthan Mission. Addressing the 76th Van Mahotsav in Jaipur, Sharma highlighted the government's commitment to ecological restoration and climate resilience, backed by strong grassroots participation and structured financial planning. He said that the state government has taken several crucial steps to increase green cover across Rajasthan. "Over 3,500 local residents have been appointed as "Van Mitras" (Forest Friends) to promote community-led conservation. In a landmark initiative, a Rs.250 crore Green Aravalli Development Project has been launched to protect and rejuvenate the ancient Aravalli mountain range," he said. He further said that under the Vande Ganga Jal Sanrakshan-Jan Abhiyan, the state has undertaken the cleaning and revival of over 42,000 water bodies. Simultaneously, the Karmabhoomi Se Matribhumi Campaign has led to the construction of 45,000 water conservation structures. The CM said that Indian culture has always upheld environmental protection through thought, speech, and action. He emphasized that the festival symbolises our responsibility toward trees and the environment. "We are turning it into a people's movement. Every resident of the state should plant at least one tree in their mother's name, care for it like a family member, and actively participate in the Hariyalo Rajasthan Mission," he urged. The CM said the state government drew inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "One Tree in Mother's Name" campaign and launched the Hariyalo Rajasthan Mission last year during Hariyali Teej. Over 70 million (700 million) saplings were planted then. "This year, we are targeting the plantation of 10 crore (100 million) saplings. On this day alone, we are planting 2.5 crore (25 million) saplings - a new record." The mission aims to plant 50 crore (500 million) trees over the next five years....