By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 16 Jul: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the ‘Plantation in the name of martyrs’ programme organised at Maldevta here, today, on the occasion of Harelal. On this occasion, he also planted a tree. Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal also planted a tree.
During the programme, several saplings were planted as a tribute to the Uttarakhand soldiers martyred in Kathua, Jammu, and the forest workers who died in the forest fire in Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. The Chief Minister also honoured the schools and forest panchayats for making commendable efforts towards environmental protection.
Wishing the people of the state a happy Harela, Dhami reminded that the festival is a symbol of happiness, prosperity, peace, environment and nature conservation. This festival works to connect life with nature. He said that Uttarakhand is a naturally rich state. Everyone would have to take a pledge that he or she would preserve the natural heritage and legacy and give a clean environment to the future generation. This time, the theme of Harela in the state is “Guarding the environment, greenery in every home, bringing prosperity and happiness”. The CM also made an appeal to everyone to contribute towards water conservation and enhancement.
Dhami said that the increase in temperature is a matter of concern for everyone. Nature has given everything to Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. It is the responsibility of every person from the state to use the resources provided by nature judiciously. Everyone must make joint efforts towards tree plantation and water conservation. He said that a target has been set to plant 50 lakh saplings during this Harela festival in the state. Public cooperation is also being taken along in this. The state government will run a tree plantation campaign on a large scale till 15 August. Self-help groups, social organisations, NGOs and public cooperation will be taken along with the government. He appealed to the people of the state that whatever trees are being planted, they have to be protected as well.
The Chief Minister said that many efforts have been made in the country in the direction of environmental conservation in the last 10 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The PM also launched ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign on World Environment Day. Since then, crores of saplings have been planted in the country. He said that under the guidance of the Prime Minister, work is being done rapidly in every field in the state. Uttarakhand has secured the first position in the country for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). This is a matter of pride for Uttarakhand. On the occasion of Harela, the Chief Minister also appealed to all schools, colleges, bodies, public representatives and all government and private institutions to plant as many saplings as possible in their premises. The Chief Minister also praised the efforts of the women power of Kot Gram Panchayat of Rudraprayag district, who are trying to develop ‘Single Forest’ under the guidance of environmental experts under mixed forest. He said that along with environmental protection, work is also being done by them towards water conservation which is a highly commendable initiative.
Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal said that on the occasion of Harela festival, a target has been set to plant 1.64 crore saplings in the state this year. This campaign will run till 15 August. He said that the identity of Uttarakhand is its abundant natural resources and beauty. Forest wealth is an important source of livelihood of the state. All concerned will have to continuously work towards enriching forest wealth and ensuring water conservation. He said that the global warming and rapid melting of glaciers are a matter of great concern for all. He said that to give a clean environment to the future generation, everyone will have to work towards tree plantation and water conservation.
On this occasion, Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Bansal, MLA Umesh Sharma ‘Kau’, Principal Secretary RK Sudhanshu, Chief Conservator of Forests (HOF) Dr Dhananjay Mohan, IG, Garhwal, KS Nagnyal, District Magistrate Sonika, SSP Ajai Singh and senior officers of Forest Department were also present.
