‘Forests are Uttarakhand’s lifeline, not just timber resources’

Dehradun: A panel discussion titled ‘Paryavaran Samvad: Reimagining Development in Uttarakhand' was held at the Doon Library on Saturday, where experts voiced concern over rising environmental degradation and traffic congestion in the Doon Valley. The dialogue underscored the urgent need to reduce carbon footprints and safeguard biodiversity within the state's development framework.Panellists said that "forests should not be viewed merely as timber resources but as Uttarakhand's lifeline", requiring long-term protection and sustainable management. The discussion featured three former heads of forest force and principal chief conservators of forests -- Jairaj, Rajiv Bhartari and Dhananjay Mohan -- along with scientists, policymakers, advocates and other members of civil society.In the first session on forest conservation and environmental challenges, Jairaj highlighted the practical constraints faced by the forest department, noting that "political pressures and limited resources often hamper effective conservation". Rajiv Bhartari spoke about the historical significance of forests and raised concerns over recurring forest fires, particularly in areas such as Bharoli. Referring to the Mana Van Panchayat, which spans an area larger than Corbett National Park, he pointed to the management challenges posed by such vast forest tracts.Dhananjay Mohan emphasised the growing tension between development and conservation. He observed that in the era of modernisation and digital connectivity, "rural aspirations are changing, leading to increased pressure on forest resources," and suggested eco-tourism initiatives such as birdwatching as sustainable alternatives.Environmental advocate Snigdha Tiwari addressed the issue of encroachments and illegal constructions along riverbanks in Uttarakhand, presenting a legal perspective on environmental protection.The second session, titled ‘Urban Development and Traffic Management in Dehradun', focused on infrastructure and sustainable city planning. Jagdish Chandra Pant, CO traffic, Dehradun, flagged mounting traffic pressure in the capital and the strain on road infrastructure, urging citizens to cooperate for safer and more organised traffic management.Professor Tina Pujara of IIT Roorkee and Professor Rajendra Pandey of the National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee, stressed that urbanisation must align with sustainable development principles to ensure that water sources and the environment are not compromised.Moderating the session, Abhijay Negi, founder of MAD by BTD, highlighted the role of court interventions and public interest litigations (PILs) in environmental matters. "Environmental protection is not solely the govt's responsibility but a collective duty of society," he said.The dialogue, organised by a local youth group under the banner of MAD by BTD, aimed to explore ways to balance development with environmental protection in Uttarakhand.