Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 24 Apr: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today asserted that the Himalayan states should build policies through mutual cooperation and exchange of experiences, as their geographical, environmental and social conditions are largely similar. Dhami was chairing the first meeting of the Coordination and Policy Formulation Council of Himalayan States held at the Chief Minister’s residence here today. The meeting focused on strengthening coordination among the Himalayan states and on devising integrated strategies to accelerate regional development.
Addressing the meeting, Dhami emphasised that successful initiatives in different Himalayan states must be studied and adopted as best practices by all the Himalayan states. He said the aim is to balance economy and ecology while improving the quality of human life. Highlighting Uttarakhand’s natural wealth and biodiversity, the CM stressed on the immense potential for conservation of the Himalayas and medicinal plants. He asserted that the state government is making continuous efforts in water conservation and rejuvenation of natural sources and that the institutions already working effectively in environmental protection should be engaged further. He proposed regular meetings and seminars with experts to address shared challenges for the hill states.
The meeting deliberated on climate change, disaster management, tourism, biodiversity conservation, water resource preservation and development of border areas. Dhami assured that all suggestions received would be acted upon swiftly.
Addressing the meeting, Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan urged that the Himalayan states must work in an integrated manner to overcome challenge. He emphasised that a large section of the country’s population benefits directly from the Himalayas. He underlined the need for regular cooperation with the national institutions engaged in conservation and enhancement of the Himalayan region.
Council member and Tehri MLA Kishore Upadhyay called for scientific and ecological studies of the Himalayan and mid-Himalayan regions, including assessment of river water levels and flow. Former DGP Anil Raturi said that the Himalayan states must work collectively to enhance resources and livelihoods linked to the Himalayas. Acharya Prashant advocated the creation of a joint task force, while GS Rawat stressed continuous efforts for conservation of nature and culture. Padma Shri awardee Kalyan Singh Rawat highlighted the urgent need to protect alpine meadows and noted the vast potential in medicinal herbs.
Among those present at the meeting were Principal Secretary R Meenakshi Sundaram, Secretary Shailesh Bagoli, UCOST Director General Prof Dr Durgesh Pant and other senior officials.
