Workshop held on World Tiger Day in Doon, wildlife protection discussed
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 29 Jul: A state level consultation workshop was organised at a local hotel here today on the occasion of World Tiger Day. Addressing the gathering on this occasion, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also addressed the issue of pollution besides wildlife protection. The CM asserted that the effective enforcement of the ban on single‑use plastic cannot be achieved through government efforts alone and that it requires public participation, awareness and the active cooperation of every citizen. He emphasised that the campaign against single‑use plastic must be given the form of a people’s movement to realise the resolve of making Uttarakhand a plastic‑free state.
The state‑level consultation workshop was organised on the theme of effective implementation and enforcement of the single‑use plastic ban. On this occasion, the CM released tiger‑based paintings and postcards to mark World Tiger Day. He also honoured people who had taken courageous steps in human‑wildlife conflict situations and those who had made notable contributions in the field of wildlife conservation.
Dhami observed that the workshop held on the occasion of World Tiger Day is highly meaningful and represents not merely a formal consultation but a collective resolve to ensure a clean, safe and green future for coming generations. He noted that the tiger is not only a wild animal but a symbol of India’s rich biodiversity and balanced ecology. He stressed that, if forests remain secure, tigers will remain secure and the balance of nature will also be preserved.
The CM observed that the Indian culture has always revered nature as a mother and that Devbhoomi Uttarakhand holds a distinct identity across the country for its biodiversity, forest wealth and wildlife conservation. He reminded that Corbett Tiger Reserve and Rajaji Tiger Reserve are powerful symbols of this heritage.
The CM warned that single‑use plastic has become a serious threat to the environment, the rivers, the soil, the water sources and the wildlife. He reminded that plastic left in forest areas often mixes with the food of wild animals, adversely affecting their health. He emphasised that a decisive campaign against single‑use plastic is the need of the hour to safeguard the forests, the rivers and the wildlife.
Dhami reminded that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, initiatives such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, Namami Gange and the promotion of clean energy have given environmental protection the shape of a mass movement. He asserted that the state government is also working continuously with environmental protection as its top priority and reiterated that development and environment are complementary to each other.
The CM also stated that the state government is carrying out extensive awareness campaigns, inspections and enforcement actions for effective implementation of the ban on single‑use plastic. Special drives are being conducted to make Char Dham routes and major tourist destinations plastic‑free. At the same time, scientific management and recycling of plastic waste are being promoted.
Dhami appealed to the people to adopt cloth bags, jute and other eco‑friendly products in place of plastic. He also urged the pilgrims and the tourists visiting the state not to leave plastic or other waste at natural sites. He further called upon the industrial sector to adopt eco‑friendly packaging and modern recycling technologies and encouraged the youth to turn the campaign into a people’s movement through schools, colleges, gram sabhas, self‑help groups and social organisations.
Dhami expressed confidence that the suggestions emerging from the state‑level consultation workshop would further strengthen the enforcement of the ban on single‑use plastic in Uttarakhand and play a vital role in realising the resolve of making the state plastic‑free.
On the occasion, Dehradun Mayor Saurabh Thapliyal, Tehri District Panchayat Chairperson Ishita Sajwan, Principal Secretary RK Sudhanshu, PCCF and HoFF Kapil Lal, PCCF (Wildlife) Neena Grewal, Member Secretary of the Pollution Control Board Dr Parag Madhukar Dhakate and subject experts were among those present.
