Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Sh. Harvinder Kalyan said that hosting the national conference of public representatives from urban local bodies of states and union territories on the sacred land where Lord Krishna imparted the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita is a matter of great pride not only for the Haryana Assembly but for the entire state. He said that this national conference will serve as a valuable platform to guide urban local bodies across the country by sharing best practices and successful development initiatives adopted by various states.
Kalyan said this while delivering the welcome address at the inaugural national conference of urban local bodies, held in Manesar on Thursday.
The Speaker informed that this two-day conference is dedicated to urban local bodies, Panchayati Raj institutions, women, and youth. He stated that the best practices and innovations that emerge through dialogue and discussion during the conference will be implemented by public representatives in their respective areas. The experiences gained on Haryana’s soil will be shared and disseminated across the country. The Assembly Speaker also mentioned that the resolutions passed recently at the conference of presiding officers of state assemblies held in Patna have been supported by Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini in his budget speech.
In his welcome address, the Speaker said that this conference has been organized with the objective that all legislative institutions including Parliament, Legislative Assemblies, Urban Local Bodies, and Panchayats work together to build a strong democracy. He emphasized that this initiative will benefit future generations, and the ideas emerging from the conference will help make legislative bodies more active, effective, participatory, and focused on public welfare.
In the inaugural session of the conference, Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Sh. Harvinder Kalyan and Deputy Speaker, Dr. Krishan Lal Middha felicitated the Chief Guest and other dignitaries by presenting them with copies of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita.
Urban Local bodies are the government which is directly concerned with the public: Vipul Goel
At the National Conference, Haryana Urban Local Bodies and Revenue Minister, Sh. Vipul Goel stated that urban local bodies are the first and most vital link in delivering citizen services and maintaining direct contact with the public. He said that urban local bodies are not just the smallest, but the most important and sensitive units of democracy, as they deal directly with the everyday needs of citizens. He expressed his gratitude to Lok Sabha Speaker, Sh. Om Birla, Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker, Sh. Harvinder Kalyan, and the urban local body representatives from across the country for their participation and contribution to the conference.
Urban Local Bodies play vital role in strengthening the foundations of democracy: Om Birla
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated the first two-day Urban Local Bodies National Conference
Lok Sabha Speaker, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harvinder Kalyan inaugurate Conference with Lamp Lighting Ceremony
Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla said that urban local bodies play a vital role in strengthening the foundations of democracy. He said that elected representatives of urban local bodies must fulfill their responsibilities with a clear focus on the vision of Developed India 2047, adopting innovative approaches, strong leadership, and practical skills. He urged all representatives to take a pledge “My corporation, my council, my municipality, and my city should be counted among the cleanest and most beautiful cities in the world.”
Om Birla was addressing public representatives from across the country after inaugurating the two-day National Conference on ‘Strengthening Constitutional Democracy and the Role of Urban Local Bodies in Nation Building’, held at the ICAT-2 Campus Auditorium in Manesar on Thursday.
As the Chief Guest, Om Birla formally inaugurated the conference with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. The event was graced by several dignitaries including Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker, Sh. Harvinder Kalyan, Deputy Speaker, Dr. Krishan Lal Middha, Industry and Commerce Minister, Rao Narbir Singh, Urban Local Bodies Minister, Sh Vipul Goel, and Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha Secretariat, Sh. Utpal Kumar Singh.
The Lok Sabha Speaker said that if urban local body representatives step forward with a positive attitude, they can undoubtedly bring dynamic and energetic changes to urban areas. He said that urban local bodies, as the smallest units of the nation, are now playing a strong and vital role in steering the country in a new direction. He added that the gathering aims to explore ways to strengthen India’s democratic institutions for a brighter future. Over the course of the two-day conference, urban local body representatives will engage in discussions, share innovative ideas, and contribute their valuable suggestions and experiences—all in the interest of realizing the vision of a New India and Developed India.
Birla highlighted the incomparable role urban local bodies play in nation-building, as public representatives listen to the concerns of people at the grassroots level and work towards effective solutions. He said that in a democracy, along with the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha, urban and Panchayat institutions form strong links connecting the government with common citizens. While the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha enact laws for public welfare, the executive actively participates in their implementation. He said that local self-governance is a crucial pillar of democracy, with urban local bodies playing a key role in taking democracy to its deepest roots.
National Conference of Local Bodies will pave the way for realizing PM’s Vision of Developed India: Nayab Singh Saini
Haryana aims for $1 Trillion Economy and 50 Lakh Jobs under Vision-2047
CM Nayab Singh Saini addresses National Conference of Urban Local Body Chairpersons in Manesar
Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, while addressing the inaugural National Conference of Chairpersons of Urban Local Bodies in Manesar on Thursday, expressed pride in Haryana being chosen to host the prestigious event. He said that it is our good fortune that Haryana has been entrusted with the responsibility of hosting this national conference. We are gathered here to deliberate on the vital role of urban local bodies in strengthening our democracy and contributing to nation-building. This theme guides us toward nurturing the grassroots of democracy and realizing the vision of the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.
Nayab Singh Saini said that urban local bodies are the foundational institutions the “first school and nursery” of democracy. “The deeper the roots of democracy at the local level, the stronger our nation becomes,” he remarked.
He added that when modern infrastructure delivers quality services to citizens, people feel confident that they have entrusted their local governance to capable hands. “A developed India and a developed Haryana can only be achieved through developed cities. The Chief Minister outlined the state’s ambitious Vision-2047, which includes the goal of building a one trillion-dollar economy and generating 50 lakh employment opportunities in Haryana.
5 ultra-modern cities are being set up under the Panch Gram Yojana – Chief Minister
Nayab Singh Saini said that Cyber City Gurugram is a model of urban development. Along with this, 5 such ultra-modern cities are being set up under the Panch Gram Yojana along the 180 km long KMP corridor. This plan has been made for a population of 75 lakhs by the year 2050.
People are getting benefits of schemes through PPP
The Chief Minister stated that under the AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) scheme, urban infrastructure across Haryana is being significantly strengthened. He highlighted that Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP) for all families in the state have been prepared, and all government welfare schemes have been integrated with this system. As a result, citizens are now receiving the benefits of these schemes directly at their doorsteps. He further added that the SVAMITVA Scheme, launched by Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi and implemented nationwide, has been successfully implemented 100 percent in Haryana. In addition, the state has launched the ‘Nagar Darshan’ Portal to enhance transparency and ensure better delivery of urban services.
Empowered Urban Local Bodies
Chief Minister while emphasizing the importance of strengthening and ensuring transparency in urban local bodies, said that Haryana is rapidly adopting e-governance to achieve this goal. Every municipal corporation in the state is now operating through digital portals, and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) are being utilized to address citizens’ concerns efficiently. He said that property tax, electricity billing, and solid waste management are being prioritized to enhance urban service delivery. “The core mantra of our government is development with environmental sustainability,” he said. To uphold this vision, the Chief Minister underscored the need to prioritize initiatives like rainwater harvesting, green buildings, solar energy, and the promotion of electric vehicles. He said that every municipal body in the state will have to prepare and implement a Green Action Plan. Furthermore, Haryana is accelerating efforts through initiatives such as the Amrit Sarovar and Jal Jeevan Mission to address the growing water crisis.
Haryana constructs 148 Dormitory Units for Workers in Kundli and Manesar Industrial Areas
The Chief Minister said that cleanliness should not merely be a mission but an integral part of our sanskars (values). He explained that while the first phase of the Swachh Bharat Mission focused on public awareness and the second on infrastructure development, the third phase must now focus on instilling these values in our daily lives.
To achieve garbage-free cities, he emphasized the need for 100 percent source segregation, the promotion of bio-CNG, and the adoption of a circular economy. He also reiterated Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s vision of slum-free cities, where every poor family has access to permanent housing, clean drinking water, quality infrastructure, and dignity. Highlighting progress under the PM Awas Yojana, he said that over 4 crore permanent houses have been constructed across the country for poor families. In Haryana, as part of the first phase, 148 dormitory units have been developed for industrial workers in the Kundli and Manesar areas. He urged all citizens to actively contribute toward realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of a Viksit Bharat.
Use of paddy straw-based biomass pellets made mandatory in brick kilns outside NCR in Haryana: Rajesh Nagar
Ambala, Fatehabad, Hisar, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Panchkula, Sirsa, and Yamunanagar districts directed to ensure swift compliance
The use of paddy straw-based biomass pellets has been made mandatory in brick kilns located in Haryana’s non-NCR districts. Following recent orders from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department has issued a letter to concerned districts for immediate action. The use of biomass fuel was already mandatory in the NCR region. Now, to further reduce pollution caused by straw burning, all brick kilns across Haryana, including those in non-NCR areas, must start using biomass pellets made from paddy straw.
Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister, Sh. Rajesh Nagar said that a phased plan has been laid out to achieve 50 percent blending of biomass pellets in brick kilns in non-NCR areas of the state. The minimum usage targets are as follows:
* From November 1, 2025 — at least 20 percent blending
* From November 1, 2026 — at least 30 percent blending
* From November 1, 2027 — at least 40 percent blending
* From November 1, 2028 — at least 50 percent blending
In line with this, letters have been sent to the Deputy Commissioners of Ambala, Fatehabad, Hisar, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Panchkula, Sirsa, and Yamunanagar, directing them to ensure timely and effective implementation.
Haryana Unveils Comprehensive Roadmap to Eliminate Air Pollution
Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi highlights multi-pronged strategy at CAQM Meet
Chandigarh, July 3 – The Chairperson of Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), Sh. Rajesh Verma, today chaired a meeting regarding implementation of various environmental directives for abatement of air pollution in Haryana. Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi unveiled a comprehensive and multi-pronged strategy to combat air pollution across the state, particularly in the NCR region, during the meeting.
The meeting was also attended by senior members of CAQM, Dr. Virinder Sharma and Dr. Sujit Kumar Bajpayee, Additional Chief Secretary, Environment, Forests and Wildlife, Haryana, Sh. Anand Mohan Sharan, Chairman, Haryana State Pollution Control Board, Sh. Vineet Garg, Additional Chief Secretary, Energy, Sh. AK Singh, Commissioner & Secretary, Development & Panchayats, Dr. Saket Kumar and senior officers of various departments were present in the meeting.
After participating in the meeting, Sh. Anurag Rastogi said Haryana is fully prepared to eliminate paddy stubble burning in 2025. He informed the Commission that the state has taken proactive steps involving both financial incentives and regulatory actions to address the issue in a holistic manner. Out of the total 41.37 lakh acres under paddy cultivation, the state anticipates a straw generation of approximately 85.50 lakh metric tonnes. Of this, 22.63 lakh acres are under basmati and 18.74 lakh acres under non-basmati cultivation. To support farmers, Haryana is offering financial assistance through three flagship schemes: ₹8000 per acre under “Mera Pani Meri Virasat,” ₹1200 per acre under the Crop Residue Management (CRM) scheme, and ₹4500 per acre for Direct Seeded Rice (DSR). Applications for these schemes are being received through the Meri Fasal Mera Byora portal, ensuring transparency and easy access for farmers. On the enforcement front, the state has also implemented strict measures.
Further, Sh. Rastogi informed the CAQM about Haryana’s aggressive push to mandate the use of paddy straw-based biomass pellets in brick kilns located in non-NCR districts. Under Direction No. 92, a clear implementation timeline has been laid out—requiring 20% biomass usage by November 2025, gradually scaling up to 50% by November 2028. This environmentally sustainable initiative has already received approval from the Chief Minister of Haryana. Sh. Rastogi confirmed that the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for implementation will be issued within 15 days to ensure uniform adoption across all concerned kilns.
To address dust pollution from roads and open areas in the Haryana-NCR region, the Chief Secretary outlined a robust strategy. He had earlier chaired a state-level review directing all departments to submit department-wise final action plans for the financial year 2025–26 along with financial commitments. Each road-owning agency has been asked to develop at least one model road stretch aligned with the Standard Framework prescribed by CAQM. A state-level orientation and training programme was successfully organized by the Directorate of Urban Local Bodies, where detailed presentations were made by officials from CAQM, the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), Jana Urban Space, and the Raahgiri Foundation.
Sh. Rastogi also emphasized the government’s commitment to urban road redevelopment in Gurugram, Faridabad, and Sonipat—three key cities identified for dust abatement. Departments including PWD (B&R), HSVP, HSIIDC, NHAI, FMDA, and SMDA have been instructed to prepare comprehensive proposals covering the redevelopment of sidewalks, greening of medians and traffic islands, paving of road shoulders, and proper disposal and management of construction and demolition (C&D) waste. These efforts aim not only to reduce dust levels but also to improve urban aesthetics and infrastructure quality.
In regard to vehicular pollution, the Chief Secretary outlined the progress made under various CAQM directions, including the phasing out of end-of-life (EOL) vehicles, the promotion of cleaner mobility by delivery aggregators and e-commerce platforms, and the migration of inter-city and All India Tourist Permit buses to cleaner fuels. He reiterated Haryana’s full commitment to shifting public transport fleets, including autorickshaws, to electric or cleaner fuel-based vehicles in a phased manner.
The CAQM Chairperson appreciated Haryana’s data-driven, time-bound, and financially backed roadmap and emphasized the need for Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities to raise public awareness about CAQM’s directives and promote greater environmental responsibility.
