Dehradun: Uttarakhand observed World Environment Day on Friday with a series of plantation drives, clean-up campaigns, and awareness programmes across all districts. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami called for collective efforts to conserve forests, water sources, and biodiversity, emphasizing the state's longstanding tradition of nature conservation.
CM Dhami's Call for Conservation
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that Uttarakhand's culture and traditions are deeply rooted in nature conservation. He highlighted that folk festivals, traditions, and the way of life in the state consistently reinforce the values of environmental conservation. Dhami pointed to festivals like Harela as a reflection of the people's faith in nature and their spirit of conservation. He said, "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."
Plantation Drives and Awareness Programmes
Various government departments organized plantation drives and awareness programmes. In Dehradun, the Municipal Corporation, along with Waste Warriors Society, felicitated citizens who have actively worked towards environmental conservation. Environmentalist Vandana Shiva launched her book 'Earth Democracy' at Natraj the Green Bookshop, stressing the need to place ecological concerns at the centre of policymaking. She said, "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."
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.
Protests in Mussoorie
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. Resident Surabhi Aggarwal said, "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." She said the purpose of the protest was to sensitise citizens and authorities to environmental concerns and the lack of government action.
Events in Uttarkashi and Roorkee
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. District Magistrate Prashant Arya administered a pledge to officials, staff, and volunteers on environmental conservation, cleanliness, and 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. Members of Samarpan planted around three dozen shade-giving saplings at various locations. Naresh Yadav, president of Samarpan, said, "Tree plantation should not be seen as the sole responsibility of the government. Protecting the environment is essential to safeguarding the future of the next generation."
Governor's Participation
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.
