Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the ‘Shaheedon Ke Naam Plantation’ program organized at Maldevta Dehradun on the occasion of Harela festival on Tuesday. On this occasion, the Chief Minister planted a tree. During the program, saplings were planted as a tribute to the soldiers of Uttarakhand martyred in Kathua, Jammu and the forest workers who died in the forest fire accident in Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. The Chief Minister also honored the schools and forest panchayats that made commendable efforts towards environmental protection.
Uttarakhand is a naturally rich state
While wishing the people of the state on Harela festival, the Chief Minister said that Harela festival is a symbol of happiness, prosperity, peace, environment and nature conservation. This festival works to connect life with nature. He said that Uttarakhand is a naturally rich state. The Chief Minister said that everyone will have to take a pledge that we will preserve the natural heritage and legacy and give a clean environment to the future generation. This time the theme of Harela festival in the state has been set as protecting the environment, bringing greenery to every home, bringing prosperity and happiness. He appealed to everyone to contribute towards water conservation and enhancement.
Everyone has to make efforts together towards tree plantation and water conservation
The Chief Minister said that the increase in temperature is a matter of concern for everyone. Nature has given everything to Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. It is our responsibility to use the resources provided by nature in the right way. Everyone has to make efforts together towards tree plantation and water conservation. He said that a target has been set to plant 50 lakh saplings on Harela festival in the state. Public cooperation is also being taken along with the government in this. The state government will run a tree plantation campaign on a large scale till August 15. Self-help groups, social organizations, NGOs and public cooperation will be taken along with the government in this. He appealed to the people of the state that whatever trees are being planted, they have to be protected as well.
Crores of saplings planted in the country since Environment Day
The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, many works have been done in the direction of environmental protection in the last 10 years. He started the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign on World Environment Day. Since then, crores of saplings have been planted in the country. He said that under the guidance of the Prime Minister, work is being done rapidly in every field in the state. Uttarakhand has secured the first position in the country for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is a matter of pride for Uttarakhand. On the occasion of Harela festival, the Chief Minister also called upon all schools, colleges, bodies, public representatives and all government and private institutions to plant as many saplings as possible in their premises.
CM praised the efforts of the women power of Kot Gram Panchayat
The Chief Minister also praised the efforts of the women power of Kot Gram Panchayat of Rudraprayag district, which is trying to develop ‘Singlas Forest’ under the guidance of environmental experts under mixed forest. He said that along with environmental conservation, they are also working for water conservation, this is a commendable initiative. Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal said that on the occasion of Harela festival, a target has been set to plant 01 crore 64 lakh saplings in the state this year. This campaign will run till 15 August. He said that the identity of Uttarakhand is its natural beauty. Forest wealth is an important source of livelihood for the state. We have to work continuously towards increasing forest wealth and water conservation.
Rapid melting of glaciers is a matter of great concern
He said that global warming and rapid melting of glaciers is a matter of great concern. He said that to give a clean environment to the future generation, everyone will have to work towards tree plantation and water conservation.
These people were present
On this occasion, Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Bansal, MLA Umesh Sharma Kau, Principal Secretary R.K. Sudhanshu, Chief Forest Conservator (HOF) Dr. Dhananjay Mohan, IG Garhwal K.S. Nagnyal, Dehradun District Magistrate Sonika, SSP Ajay Singh and senior officials of the Forest Department were present.