Garhwal Post Bureau
Mussoorie, 19 Jul: On the occasion of ‘Harela’, the Mussoorie Congress Committee organised a sapling distribution programme at Congress Bhawan to spread the message of environmental conservation. Saplings of various species were distributed to Congress workers and local residents, who also took a pledge to nurture and protect them. Highlighting environmental conservation as the need of the hour, Congress leaders questioned the felling of trees for state government development projects.
Speaking at the event, former MLA Jot Singh Gunsola, senior Congress leader Upendra Singh Thapli, Mahila Congress President Jasbir Kaur, and City Congress President Amit Gupta stated that Harela is not merely a festival for planting saplings but an opportunity to fulfill one’s responsibility towards nature. They urged people to ensure the care and protection of the saplings after planting them.
Congress leaders remarked that the COVID-19 pandemic made the entire world realise the importance of trees and oxygen. Thousands lost their lives due to oxygen shortages, making it clear that trees are not just a part of the environment but the foundation of human life. Therefore, every individual should contribute to making their homes, villages, and cities greener.
On this occasion, Congress leaders targeted the state government, alleging that trees are being felled on a large scale in the name of development projects. They asserted that development and environmental conservation can go hand in hand, yet the government has failed to strike a balance. The leaders claimed that the courts have had to intervene in several instances, underscoring the gravity of environmental concerns.
Speaking on political issues, Congress leaders noted a growing desire for change among the youth. Referring to the recent ‘Yuva Samvad’ programme held in Dehradun by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, he stated that the participation of a large number of young people indicates that issues such as employment, education, and transparency in recruitment examinations are top priorities for the youth today.
At the conclusion of the event, saplings were distributed to the attendees, and everyone pledged to protect the environment and plant more trees. Congress leaders affirmed that the party would continue to organise programs focused on environmental awareness and public welfare in the future. Several individuals were present on the occasion, including Zila Panchayat member Govind Pundir, Tejpal Rauthan, Mahimanand, Mahesh Chand, Gaurav Gupta, Nagendra Uniyal, Pratap Pawar, Darshan Rawat, Kamil Ali, Ejaz Ahmed, Saurabh Sonkar, Jagpal Gusai, and Rohit Kanojia.
