Haryana is the only state providing pensions to residents and panchayats preserving trees aged 75 years and above under the pioneering Pran Vayu Devta (PVD) Scheme. Similar to the old age pension scheme for senior citizens, the Haryana government has implemented this unique initiative, encouraging residents with trees exceeding 75 years in their home’s courtyard or nearby. As part of the scheme, the state government has identified 31 tree species.
Among the trees aged 75 years, the maximum number includes Peepal (Ficus religiosa), Bargad (Ficus benghalensis), Jal-Meethi Jal (Salvadora oleaides), and Neem (Azadirachta indica), comprising more than 74 percent of the total trees aged 75 or above. Notably, the number of Peepal, Bargad, Jal-Meethi Jal, and Neem is 1285, 705, 491, and 401, respectively. Peepal trees alone constitute 33% of the total, followed by Bargad, Jaal, and Neem trees. There are 705 Bargad trees, accounting for 18% of the total.
Similarly, the numbers of Aam (Mangifera indica), Krishan Kadam (Mitragyna parvifolia), Pilkhan (Ficus virens), Jamun (Syzygium cumini), and Dhak (Butea monosperma) are 291, 233, 149, 87, 37, and 35, respectively. Officials revealed that most old trees are near government schools, village ponds, and temples, with some in areas adjoining Aravali and Shivalik. Forest Department officials emphasize that these trees are part of the common heritage and a crucial source of oxygen.
A report on old trees was prepared and submitted to the state government in October. The scheme, initiated on the completion of 9 years of the Haryana Government last year, was announced by Chief Minister Manohar Lal on June 5, 2021, and is now in effect. According to the notification issued in May, residents preserving trees above 75 years of age receive a monthly pension of Rs 2500, making Haryana the first state in the country to link a pension scheme for trees with the old age pension.
Statistics reveal that in Haryana, Rewari, Yamunanagar, Faridabad, Sirsa, and Bhiwani districts have the maximum number of trees aged 75 years. Rewari tops the list with 680 trees, followed by Yamunanagar, Fatehabad, Sirsa, Hisar, Bhiwani, and Panchkula with 526, 335, 287, 249, 210, and 205 trees, respectively. Kaithal, Jind, Sonipat, Mahendragarh, and Karnal have 184, 154, 135, 132, and 112 trees, while the remaining trees are in other districts.
According to departmental information, five categories of places with old trees have been identified. Notably, 2245 and 1378 trees are on Panchayat and individuals’ private land, respectively. Additionally, 138, 67, and 48 trees have been identified on institutional, government, and religious premises, respectively.
An official stated that this scheme will play a role in increasing the income of small and landless farmers. Providing an annual pension of Rs 2500 to those caring for trees older than 75 years will not only improve their financial condition but also prevent tree cutting, ensuring environmental safety and improved air quality. Individuals willing to receive pension for trees aged 75 years or above on their land need to apply at the Forest Department office in their district. If the trees are on Panchayat land, the pension amount will go to the respective Panchayat fund.
According to the department’s survey, more Banyan and Peepal trees, estimated to be above 75 years old, have been found.
