normalnormalnormalUnder the visionary leadership and guidance of Haryana Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini, the World Bank has approved a loan of Rs. 4,000 crore under the Rs. 5,714 crore ‘Jal Sanrakshit Haryana’ Project, aimed at making the state self-reliant in the water sector. Under the project, 15 clusters have been created in the state, covering an area of 48.94 lakh acres.The Chief Minister was presiding over a meeting of senior officers on Saturday to review the implementation of the ‘Jal Sanrakshit Haryana’ Project at Chandigarh. Haryana Irrigation and Water Resources Minister, Smt. Shruti Choudhry was also present at the meeting.The Chief Minister directed officers to prepare a comprehensive water management plan and ensure its effective implementation at the grassroots level so that water reaches every field. He emphasised the need for optimum use of treated water and stressed that every drop of water should be conserved and utilised efficiently. He also called for the development of a digital water management system to enable accurate monitoring of water availability, budgeting and usage across the state.Village-Level water committees to be formedThe Chief Minister directed that village-level water committees be actively involved in the development and maintenance of khaals (water channels). He said a dedicated fund should be created for these committees, with the state government also contributing towards the maintenance and repair of khaals .Describing Jal Sanrakshit Haryana as a flagship intensive water resource management programme, he said the project will be implemented in phases over six years, from 2026 to 2032. This funding will be used for extensive work in the canal sector, including the rehabilitation of the state’s remaining 678 canals. This includes rehabilitation of 106 canals with World Bank assistance at a cost of Rs.2,484.87 crore, 293 canals through state budget funding at a cost of Rs.2,230 crore, and 279 canals through NABARD-supported projects.The Chief Minister further said that the MICADA programme will undertake the rehabilitation work of 620 khaals (water channels), benefiting around 3.18 lakh acres of agricultural land. Besides this, 120 canal-based micro-irrigation projects will be upgraded, extending irrigation benefits to approximately 56,830 acres of land.The programme also includes reclamation of nearly 2 lakh acres of waterlogged land, promotion of Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) on 5 lakh acres, and encouragement of crop diversification on around 1.12 lakh acres of land. In addition, sustainable and water-conservation-based agriculture will be promoted through crop diversification, direct seeding of paddy, and other measures.147 Water Bodies to be developed in seven districtsTo strengthen groundwater recharge, approximately 147 water bodies will be developed in seven districts—Bhiwani, Jind, Kaithal, Mahendragarh, Rewari, Charkhi Dadri and Sirsa. Besides this, treated wastewater from major Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in Jind, Kaithal and Dhanwapur (Gurugram) will be reused for irrigation purposes. These four STPs will cover 28,000 acres of land, with an estimated project cost of Rs. 282.13 crore.The Chief Minister said the World Bank has appreciated the state government’s forward-looking approach and described the Jal Sanrakshit Haryana Programme as a transformational initiative in water resource management. Upon completion, all canals in Haryana will be rehabilitated and modernised, significantly strengthening the state’s irrigation infrastructure.He said the programme will not only serve as a milestone in making Haryana water-secure and self-reliant but will also reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring a safe, inclusive and sustainable water future for coming generations.Irrigation and Water Resources Minister, Shruti Choudhry, Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Rajesh Khullar, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Arun Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary, Irrigation and Water Resources Department, Anurag Agarwal, Director General, Agriculture Department, Rajnarayan Kaushik, EIC cum HoD Spl. Birender Singh and other senior officers were present during the meeting.Haryana to Launch AI Sandbox: CM Nayab Singh Saini Arjun SPV to be Constituted; Review Meetings to be Held Every Three Months State to Have Its Own AI State Data CentreHaryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that the Haryana Clean Air Project for Sustainable Development and the Haryana AI Development Project have been prepared to provide better facilities to the people.The Chief Minister was reviewing the progress of the Clean Air and AI projects launched in the state on Saturday. Chief Principal Secretary to CM Rajesh Khullar, Principal Secretary Arun Gupta, Commissioner and Secretary CRID J. Ganesan, Joint Secretary Deepak Kumar, CRID CPO Nitin Bansal, Ninad Rajput, Pulin Singh, Sangar Jain and several senior officers were present in the meeting.The Chief Minister said that an amount of ₹3,647 crore would be spent under the Haryana Clean Air Project. Nine departments, including the Haryana State Pollution Control Board, Gurugram Metropolitan City Bus Service, Haryana City Bus Service, Development and Panchayats Department, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department, Transport Department, Industries and Commerce Department and Urban Local Bodies Department, will work jointly on the project.He said that an Arjun SPV would be constituted and review meetings would be held every three months to ensure timely completion of the projects and to provide benefits to the public at the earliest.Nayab Singh Saini said that under the Haryana AI Development Programme, a State AI Data Centre is being established in Panchkula and the Global Artificial Intelligence Centre (GAIC) in Gurugram. These projects will involve an investment of ₹474 crore. Haryana will have its own AI State Data Centre, where transparent and accurate data will be collected and matched through PPP. Besides this, two Centres of Excellence are being established at a cost of ₹40 crore to provide skill courses and collaborative workshops for industries.He announced that Haryana would launch an AI Sandbox. The Haryana Data Exchange and Haryana State Data Lake Platform will be developed to facilitate better service delivery.The Chief Minister further said that under the Air Quality Control Project, 500 electric buses will be introduced in Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat and Jhajjar at a cost of ₹90 crore. Around 200 charging stations will also be set up, and incentives will be provided for their establishment. Incentives will also be offered for the purchase of new electric three-wheelers and replacement of old ones. The government will promote the use of cleaner DG sets in industries and provide incentives for the installation of Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) devices. Efforts will also be made to strengthen dust and waste management capacities in urban local bodies.In addition, measures will be undertaken to reduce stubble burning incidents, promote research on the use of bio-decomposers for improving air quality, strengthen laboratory infrastructure and develop CAQM stations.Nayab Singh Saini said that two mobile vans would also be deployed in the state for monitoring air quality so that AQI levels could be checked in any part of Haryana. Expansion of the SPV setup and Programme Management Unit would also be undertaken.He informed that the Haryana Data Exchange Policy would soon be introduced to create better digital infrastructure. Besides this, an AI Gurukul will be launched to impart AI education to children. Students trained under the initiative would be able to secure placements within a year with ease.West Bengal Foundation Day Celebrated with Grandeur at Haryana Lok Bhavan Haryana Governor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh and First Lady Mitra Ghosh Graced the Occasion Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Smt. Suman Saini Among Distinguished Dignitaries Present Vibrant Cultural Performances Showcased the Rich Heritage, Folk Traditions and Music of West Bengal Celebration Reinforced the Spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”West Bengal Foundation Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm, dignity and cultural splendour at Haryana Lok Bhawan today. The event was graced by Haryana Governor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh and First Lady Mitra Ghosh; Punjab Governor and Administrator, UT Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria; Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and his wife Suman Saini; Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harvinder Singh Kalyan and his wife Reshma Kalyan; Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana along with several distinguished guests and senior officials.Addressing the gathering, Haryana Governor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh extended his warm greetings and best wishes to the people on the occasion of West Bengal Day. He said that West Bengal is not merely a state but a vibrant centre of India’s cultural, intellectual and spiritual heritage. The people of West Bengal, he noted, continue to preserve and cherish their rich traditions, values and legacy with great pride.The Governor said that Bengal not only participated in India’s renaissance but also played a pioneering role in leading it. Its contributions to social reform, education, literature, art, science and the freedom movement have been extraordinary and enduring. He remarked that the state has produced numerous visionaries and luminaries whose ideas and achievements have shaped not only India’s destiny but have also left an indelible mark on the world.Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh further stated that West Bengal is globally renowned for its rich cultural heritage, literary excellence, music, art, handicrafts and vibrant folk traditions. Emphasising the importance of national integration, he said that India’s greatest strength lies in its unity amidst diversity. Programmes such as Foundation Day celebrations provide an opportunity to appreciate the country’s cultural richness and further reinforce the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.”Earlier, addressing the gathering, the Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria, extended his warm greetings and best wishes to all on the occasion of West Bengal Foundation Day. He said that the initiative of celebrating the foundation days of various States across the country was envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the objective of strengthening the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.* He noted that this unique initiative provides an opportunity to learn about and appreciate the diverse cultures, traditions, languages, arts and rich heritage of different States, thereby fostering greater national integration and mutual understanding. Kataria also highlighted West Bengal’s invaluable contribution to the nation’s social, cultural, literary and intellectual development.West Bengal Led India’s Renaissance – CM Nayab Singh SainiExtending his greetings on the occasion of West Bengal Day, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that the day is not merely an occasion for celebration but an opportunity to pay tribute to a great land that taught India how to think, awaken, and stand up against injustice. He said that West Bengal is the land of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, whose words stirred the soul of the nation; of Swami Vivekananda, whose inspiring vision and historic address elevated India’s spiritual and cultural stature across the world; and of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, whose stirring call, “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom,” continues to inspire patriotism and selfless service to the nation. It is the land of Shri Ramakrishna Paramahansa, whose spiritual legacy helped establish Bengal as a beacon of spirituality and philosophical thought.Nayab Singh Saini said that Bengal did not merely participate in India’s renaissance but played a pioneering role in leading it. He said that West Bengal’s contribution to literature, art, education, social reform, and the freedom movement has been unparalleled and continues to inspire generations.He further stated that India today is reaching new milestones in economic growth, social development, and technological advancement. Expressing confidence in West Bengal’s immense potential, he said that the State’s rich intellectual heritage, dynamic youth population, strategic geographical location, and vibrant cultural traditions position it to play a leading role in realizing the vision of Atmnirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047.The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisions Bengal as the focal point of Purvodaya and the growth engine of Eastern India. He said that this vision can be realized by combining the State’s traditional strengths with innovation, entrepreneurship, and a forward-looking approach to development.During the ceremony, colourful cultural performances depicting the rich heritage of West Bengal captivated the audience. Artists from Mishti Adda and the troupe led by Pandit Subhash Ghosh showcased the State’s vibrant traditions through folk dances, music, and cultural presentations, earning appreciation from the distinguished guests.Among those present on the occasion were Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Rajesh Khullar, Director General of Police Ajay Singhal, Additional Director General of Police Saurabh Singh, Secretary to Governor Vijay Kumar Bhavikatti, and ADC to the Governor Dheeraj Setia, besides several other dignitaries and senior officials.CM calls for stronger Punjab under double-engine government Emphasises Welfare, Employment and MSP Support for Punjab CM meets delegation of Namdev Samaj of Sri Hargobindpur district, Gurdaspur, PunjabHaryana Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini said that Prime Minister, Narendra Modi is committed to strengthening Punjab, adding that accelerated development in the state is possible under a double-engine government. He said that while many young people in Punjab are compelled to seek employment abroad through illegal “donkey routes,” Haryana has created structured opportunities through a dedicated Foreign Cooperation Department.The Chief Minister said that more than 5,500 applications from youth aspiring to work overseas are currently under scrutiny by the department. Under this initiative, applicants are required to bear only the cost of their air tickets.Nayab Singh Sain said this while addressing a delegation of the Namdev Samaj from Sri Hargobindpur in Gurdaspur district, Punjab, at his residence, Sant Kabir Kutir, Chandigarh, on Saturday.Paying tribute to the Sixth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Hargobind Singh Ji, the Chief Minister said that his teachings inspire people to stand against injustice and protect the weaker sections of society. He emphasised that these values remain highly relevant today and should be followed in practice.Expressing concern over Punjab’s development trajectory, Saini said it is unfortunate that the land of the Sikh Gurus continues to lag behind in development. He alleged that successive governments, including those led by the Congress and AAP, have failed to meet public expectations and have misled the people. He further said that the people of Punjab have made up their minds to support the BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi in the forthcoming Assembly elections.Criticising the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab Government, the Chief Minister said that the promise of providing Rs. 1,000 per month to women had remained unfulfilled, noting that even the registration process for the scheme has not been completed. Whereas, the Haryana government allocated Rs. 5,000 crore in the 2025–26 budget and Rs. 6,500 crore in the 2026–27 budget under the Deen Dayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana (DDLLY). Under the scheme, eligible women are receiving Rs. 2,100 per month directly in their bank accounts. So far, Rs. 1,600 crore has been disbursed to women beneficiaries across Haryana.He also pointed out that senior citizens in Haryana receive Rs. 3,200 per month under the Old Age Samman Allowance, compared to Rs. 1,500 per month in Punjab.Highlighting Haryana’s welfare and development initiatives, he said that if the people of Punjab place their trust in the vision and policies of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, in the next Assembly elections, similar benefits could be extended to Punjab as well. He asserted that a BJP government in Punjab would ensure the procurement of farmers’ crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP), provide adequate compensation for crop losses, promote an industry-friendly environment, and work towards making Punjab the leading state in the country.The delegation thanked the Chief Minister for inviting them and appreciated his outreach towards the people of Punjab. Members of the delegation said that the people of Punjab are taking note of his support and expressed confidence that the BJP would be strengthened in the state in the next Assembly elections.Universal Message of the Gita Resonates at the University of Tokyo Historic International Gita Seminar Organised under International Gita Mahotsav 2026 Video message of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini was screened during the seminarAn extraordinary confluence of ancient wisdom and contemporary global thought was witnessed at the internationally acclaimed University of Tokyo, where the International Gita Seminar was organised as a major highlight of the International Gita Mahotsav (IGM) 2026. The seminar focused on the relevance of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita in promoting global peace, mental well-being, and universal human values in the modern world, further strengthening the spiritual, cultural, and academic ties between India and Japan.Held at one of the world’s foremost centres of academic excellence and research, the seminar brought together eminent philosophers, diplomats, industrialists, scholars, spiritual leaders, and students from India and Japan for meaningful deliberations on the universal message of the Bhagavad Gita.Addressing the gathering, Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj emphasized that the Gita is not confined to any particular nation, religion, or community, but serves as a universal guide for the welfare of humanity. He stated that in an age marked by stress, uncertainty, and global conflicts, the Gita’s principles of Nishkama Karma Yoga and mental equilibrium offer practical solutions for peace and harmony.Swami Gurusharananand Ji Maharaj highlighted the spiritual and practical dimensions of the Gita, describing it not merely as a philosophical text but as an art of living that continues to inspire humanity.A special video message from the Chief Minister of Haryana was screened during the seminar. He appreciated the global dissemination of the message of the Gita originating from the sacred land of Kurukshetra and reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening the cultural ties between India and Japan.Member Secretary, Kurukshetra Development Board,Kurukshetra Dr. Amit Agrawal, in his speech, focused on the relevance of timeless and universal relevance of the Bhagavad Gita, describing it as a source of wisdom that transcends boundaries of time, culture, and religion. The address outlines the global journey of the International Gita Mahotsav since 2016, initiated by then Chief Minister of Haryana Sh. Manohar Lal, which has carried the message of the Gita to numerous countries and transformed it into a worldwide movement for peace and harmony. He emphasised that this celebrates the deep cultural and spiritual connection between India and Japan, rooted in shared values of discipline, duty, mindfulness, and respect, while also acknowledging the strong economic partnership between the two nations. He said that the Bhagavad Gita is a guide for humanity and a bridge for deeper intellectual, cultural, and spiritual cooperation between India and Japan.Representatives from the Embassy of India and former Ambassador of Japan to India, Mr Satoshi Suzuki appreciated this new chapter in the ancient spiritual and cultural relationship between the two nations. Member Secretary, Kurukshetra Development Board, Dr. Amit Agrawal, Kurukshetra elaborated on the global vision, administrative framework, and cultural objectives of the International Gita Mahotsav.Special gratitude was expressed to Professor Takahiro Kato for his significant role in facilitating the seminar at the University of Tokyo. Professor Kawamura, who completed the Japanese translation project of the Mahabharata, and Professor Sato, known for his dedicated study and Japanese translation of the Bhagavad Gita, shared their scholarly experiences and highlighted the global relevance of the Gita.The distinguished presence of Koichi Suzuki, associated with Maruti Suzuki operations in India, further enhanced the social and economic significance of the event.One of the most inspiring aspects of the seminar was the enthusiastic participation of students from the University of Tokyo. A large number of students attended the sessions, showing keen interest in the teachings of the Gita and actively interacting with the speakers.The program commenced with an energetic performance by traditional Japanese Taiko drummers, symbolizing the spirit of Japanese culture and providing a grand welcome to the guests. Throughout the event, the harmonious confluence of Indian and Japanese cultural traditions was clearly visible.Japanese scholars who have made significant contributions to research, translation, and studies related to the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita were specially felicitated with shawls, mementos, and certificates of appreciation. On this occasion, Suzuki San and Yukari San, who produced a documentary on Mahatma Gandhi and the Gita, were also honored.During the seminar, Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj, Swami Gurusharananand Ji Maharaj, Dr. Amit Aggarwal, and Upender Singhal presented a copy of the Bhagavad Gita to Professor Takahiro Kato for installation at the University of Tokyo.Honorary Secretary of the Kurukshetra Development Board,Sh. Upender Singhal, informed that in a historic initiative, the Kurukshetra Development Board published the Japanese translation of the Ashtadhyayi Gita for the first time and presented copies to scholars and dignitaries during the seminar. This initiative is expected to further deepen cultural dialogue between India and Japan.A major attraction of the event was an extensive exhibition showcasing Kurukshetra, the teachings of the Gita, and the cultural similarities between India and Japan. Japanese students visiting the exhibition were presented with special commemorative gifts.Special fusion cultural performances blending Indian and Japanese artistic traditions captivated the audience and vividly reflected the cultural affinity between the two nations.As part of the Mahotsav’s digital outreach campaign, a 14-day online Gita Quiz competition was organised across Japan. The quiz received tremendous response on social media, attracting thousands of participants from Japan, the United States, France, the United Kingdom, India, and several other countries. The winners of the competition were felicitated during the seminar.Special appreciation was extended to Ajay Narula, Rohan Aggarwal, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, GEO Gita, Gita Parivar, ISKCON, and various social organizations for their tireless efforts and dedicated support in making the festival a grand success.The successful coordination and execution of the entire event were made possible through the active involvement of senior members of the Kurukshetra Development Board and Gita Jayanti Mela Authority, including Vijay Narula, Sh. Alkesh Maudgil, Ashok Rosha, Gurnam Saini, Dr. Rishipal Mathana, and Dr. M.K. Maudgil.The International Gita Seminar at the University of Tokyo emerged not merely as an academic event, but as a powerful symbol of spiritual dialogue, cultural cooperation, and the shared commitment of India and Japan toward global peace. The message of the Bhagavad Gita has now transcended the boundaries of Kurukshetra, offering humanity a timeless path of harmony, duty, and universal well-being.Media Advisor to the Chief Minister; Tushar Saini, MLA, Satpal Jamba; former Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Markandeya; Mayor Renu Bala Gupta; and Shyam Lal Bansal, along with several other dignitaries were present.normalnormalThe post Jal Sanrakshit Haryana, project approved to make state water secure & self-reliant:CM appeared first on Chandigarh City News.