Green initiatives pick up pace in state amid warnings of ecological stress

Dehradun: Uttarakhand marked World Environment Day on Friday with plantation drives, clean-up campaigns and awareness programmes across districts, while chief minister (CM) Pushkar Singh Dhami called for collective efforts to conserve forests, water sources and biodiversity.The CM said Uttarakhand's culture and traditions have long been rooted in nature conservation. "Our folk festivals, traditions and way of life have consistently reinforced the values of environmental conservation, with festivals like Harela reflecting our faith in nature and our spirit of conservation. Protecting the environment is inherent to the nature of the people of Uttarakhand. Our state holds a unique identity in the country due to its rich forest wealth, biodiversity and life-sustaining rivers. We need a committed approach towards conserving water, forests and land," he said.Plantation drives and awareness programmes were organised across several govt departments. In Dehradun, the Municipal Corporation, along with Waste Warriors Society, felicitated citizens who have worked actively towards environmental conservation.Environmentalist Vandana Shiva launched her book ‘Earth Democracy' at Natraj the Green Bookshop, and stressed the need to place ecological concerns at the centre of policymaking. "All living beings are sentient, and every being has rights. They are free to be alive; that is what real democracy is. This book explores the inadequacy of the contemporary model of democracy. All our basic needs come from nature," she said.Students at the Chauras campus of Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University also carried out a clean-up drive in an area inhabited by 10 to 12 species of birds.However, not all Environment Day observances were celebratory. In Mussoorie, residents staged a silent protest at Indramani Badoni Chowk on Mall Road, expressing concern over what they described as unchecked construction, tree loss and worsening traffic congestion in the hill town. "Mussoorie seems to be headed towards a major environmental disaster. The trees are declining, illegal construction and mountain cutting are on the rise, vehicles are increasing and so are the traffic jams," said resident Surabhi Aggarwal. She said the purpose of the protest was to sensitise citizens and authorities to environmental concerns and the lack of govt action. In Uttarkashi, a tree plantation drive and environmental conservation pledge ceremony were organised at Suman Van in Ujeli under the joint aegis of the forest department, district Ganga committee and Swajal department on the theme, "Inspired by Nature for Climate – Our Future". Saplings of various species were planted during the programme.DM Prashant Arya administered a pledge to officials, staff and volunteers on environmental conservation, cleanliness, protection of water.A cleanliness drive was also conducted at the Ganga Aarti Ghat under the "Swachh Gaon Surakshit Jalvayu" campaign run by the Swajal department in collaboration with the Ganga Vichar Manch. Students, officials and volunteers participated in the drive. In Roorkee, a social forestry organisation organised an awareness programme with state transport minister Pradeep Batra attending as chief guest. As part of the initiative, members of Samarpan planted around three dozen shade-giving saplings at various locations. "Tree plantation should not be seen as the sole responsibility of the govt. Protecting the environment is essential to safeguarding the future of the next generation," said Naresh Yadav, president of Samarpan.Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh planted a Rudraksha sapling under the nationwide "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign at Lok Bhavan in Nainital. Addressing the gathering, he said environmental protection should not remain a one-day commitment but become an integral part of everyday life. (Inputs from Tanmayee Tyagi in Dehradun, Ashish Mishra in Uttarkashi, Tapan Susheel in Roorkee, Anmol Jain in Mussoorie & Sonali Mishra in Nainital)