Pledge for Greenery taken on Harela
Garhwal Post Bureau
Mussoorie, 22 Jul: On the occasion of ‘Harela’, the social organisation ‘Sadbhavana Mussoorie’ organised a tree plantation drive in the Hathipaon area to spread the message of environmental conservation. During the event, around 25 saplings of various species were planted, and a collective pledge was taken to ensure their protection.
The programme was held under the guidance of Sadbhavana President Suresh Goyal and led by coordinators Anil Goyal and Jasbir Kaur. Members of the organisation pledged to advance the cause of environmental conservation through this plantation drive. Speaking on the occasion, Jasbir Kaur remarked that Harela is not merely a festival but a symbol of our responsibility towards nature. She noted the ongoing rise in environmental imbalance, soaring temperatures, and natural disasters. In such times, she emphasised, planting saplings is not enough; nurturing and protecting them is equally crucial. She added that the COVID-19 pandemic taught the world the vital importance of oxygen and the environment to human life. “If we fail to protect trees and nature today, future generations may face severe crises.” She urged people to plant at least one sapling in their homes, courtyards, or neighbourhoods and to care for it. Jasbir Kaur stated that the identity of a tourist town like Mussoorie lies in its greenery and natural beauty. A protected environment strengthens tourism and ensures a clean atmosphere for future generations. She observed that the Harela festival inspires all to live in harmony with nature.
Speakers at the event emphasised that environmental conservation is not solely the responsibility of the government or organisations but a duty incumbent upon every citizen. Alongside tree plantation, special attention must also be paid to water conservation and cleanliness. A large number of Sadbhavana members were present on the occasion, including Santosh Arya, Bharosi Rawat, Rubina, Anjum, Anuj Style, Sandeep Agarwal, Atul Agarwal, Shiv Kumar, Rajiv Agarwal, and Vijaylakshmi Kohli.
