By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 17 Dec: Himalayan Circular Economy Forum was organized under the flagship of Uttarakhand@25, at Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology, in collaboration with International Council for Circular Economy on Saturday. The purpose was to inculcate green economy thinking among Himalayan community who are most likely to get affected by the current unecological practices of growth and development. The urgency to shift the development pattern from linear to a circular one, is being now felt when the population is increasing at an unprecedented rate and lifestyle is becoming unsupportable. Shalini Goyal Bhalla (ICCE) explained why circular economy is important particularly for the Himalayan states. She further added that Himalayan Circular Economy Forum seeks to align the socio-economic benefits with the environmental cost and benefits for a sustainable future.
Prof Durgesh Pant (DG, UCOST) welcomed all the dignitaries and participants. He highlighted the burning concept of the Chief Guest Padam Bhushan Dr Anil Prakash Joshi (Founder, HESCO) – “Pragiti to Prakriti”.
Dr Joshi drew the attention towards “Ecology Inclusive Economy”. He stressed on the fact the Circular Economy would only be successful if it is region- and resource- specific, along with right kind of dividends at every step of economic growth and development.
Dr Manoj Pant (ACEO, Centre for Public Policy and Good Governance, Uttarakhand) talked about size and growth rate of Uttarakhand’s economy. He further explained the issues of linear economy and through SDGs highlighted the circular economy model.
The occasion was also blessed by the Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami via video message. Three panel discussion sessions were organised on plastics, building foundation and GEP panel.