CM unveils annual ‘Himalaya Vibhuti Samman’, announces Rs 1 crore for Himalaya Parishad
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 7 Sep: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today participated in the Himalaya Day programme, ‘Himalayo Nam Nagadhirajah’, organised at Veer Madhho Singh Bhandari Uttarakhand Technical University here. On this occasion, he announced Rs 1 crore for strengthening basic facilities and resources in the Himalaya Parishad. He also declared that an annual ‘Himalaya Vibhuti Samman’ would be instituted to recognise the researchers, scientists, social workers and distinguished personalities dedicated to the conservation, promotion and sustainable development of the Himalayan region. The award will be conferred every year on Himalaya Day.
On the occasion, the CM also released five posters related to science and technology, including the 7th Dehradun International Science and Technology Festival, Science and Technology Premier League, Seemant Bal Vigyan Congress, Gyanotkarsh and the 21st Uttarakhand State Science Conference. He also unveiled the fifth annual edition of the magazine ‘Vigyan Samprashan’, focused on the popularisation of science.
Addressing the gathering, Dhami asserted that the Himalaya is not merely a mountain range but the foundation of identity, culture and existence. Since ancient times, it has been the land of penance for sages, saints and thinkers, and that it is the source of life-giving rivers such as the Ganga and Yamuna. He emphasised that climate change and global warming pose serious challenges worldwide, with their impact clearly visible in Himalayan regions. Increasing pressure on glaciers, threats to traditional water sources, incidents of cloudbursts, landslides, forest fires and sudden floods are creating new challenges. He emphasised on the need to respect the sensitivity of the Himalaya and to pursue development with a balance between science, technology, safety and nature.
Dhami noted that climate change does not recognise state or national boundaries, and Himalayan regions, despite contributing little to environmental damage, may pay a heavy price. He said responsibility and solutions must be shared, and the concerns of Himalayan states must be voiced more strongly at national and global platforms. The depletion of glaciers and water sources affects rivers, agriculture, drinking water and the lives of millions, making Himalayan conservation a matter of future survival. He observed that the younger generation is increasingly conscious of environmental issues, and future generations will demand accountability not only for infrastructure but also for clean air, water, rivers and forests. He urged that decisions must be taken now on the kind of Uttarakhand to be handed over to the coming generations.
The CM stressed that while the mountain regions need roads, electricity, quality education, health facilities and employment, the development model must suit the state’s geography and requirements. He said Uttarakhand’s progress must emerge from a balance between ecology and economy, ensuring roads are built while forests are preserved, employment grows while rivers remain clean, tourism expands while the carrying capacity of mountains is respected. He referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for ‘Mission LiFE’ which is Lifestyle for Environment, as a guiding principle, stressing that environmental protection requires lifestyle changes by individuals alongside government policies. Saving water and electricity, reducing plastic use, maintaining cleanliness, adopting local products and behaving responsibly towards nature are small steps that can lead to major change.
Dhami reminded the gathering of the initiatives taken under Modi’s leadership such as ‘Namami Gange’, the ‘National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem’ and the ‘Vibrant Village Programme’, which are accelerating conservation and sustainable development in Himalayan regions. He claimed that state government is committed to making Uttarakhand a model state in Himalayan conservation, not merely voicing concern but providing direction and leadership to the nation. He emphasised combining traditional knowledge with modern science and technology to find durable solutions to Himalayan challenges.
The CM also asserted that the public participation is most crucial for Himalayan conservation. To promote public participation, the week from 2 September, marked as Bugyal Day, to 9 September, Himalaya Day, has been designated as Himalaya Day Week. Conservation must become a people’s movement beyond government programmes and seminars. Bugyals are vital for biodiversity and water sources, forests safeguard air, water and soil, and rivers are the lifeline of civilisation. Linking Himalayan conservation with prosperity in the hills, he said employment in villages, markets for local products, economic empowerment of women, promotion of natural farming and eco-friendly tourism can reduce migration.
Among those present were Tehri MLA Kishore Upadhyay, HESCO founder Dr Anil Prakash Joshi, Vice-Chancellor of Veer Madhho Singh Bhandari Uttarakhand Technical University Prof Dr Tripta Thakur, Director General, UCOST, Prof Dr Durgesh Pant, Registrar of the university Rajesh Upadhyay, and Joint Director, UCOST, DP Uniyal.
