Monday, 17 JULY 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Considering the expected rise in demand for water in coming years and the current situation, a model plan needs to be prepared and executed in the State. The industry and agriculture sector require a lot of water so these two sectors will have to jointly undertake a water conservation campaign and raise public awareness. Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said this at the programme on water conservation and revival of water bodies, organised by the Forest department to mark Harela on Sunday. In addition to planting saplings, the chief minister also felicitated schools and Van Panchayats for commendable work in the sphere of environmental conservation.
Greeting the people on the occasion of Harela, Dhami said that this festival is a symbol of happiness, prosperity, peace and the conservation of environment and nature. He said that all will have to taken an oath to preserve the environmental wealth and heritage to provide a clean environment to the coming generation. He also exhorted all to work towards conservation of water bodies. He expressed concern stating that the summer flow of non-glacial rivers in the State has decreased considerably, mainly due to climate change. Considering the expected increase in the demand for drinking water in the coming years, he stressed on the need for preparing a model plan for the State and executing it.
Dhami said, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Central government is laying considerable focus on circular economy as it also has an important role in water conservation. The whole ecosystem benefits when treated water is reused and fresh water is conserved. Some departments have executed springshed source rejuvenation, catchment area, source sustainability, check dams, contour trench and other works which have yielded good results. All the main development works being undertaken since the past nine years under PM Modi have also focused on environmental and water conservation in some way. The Swachchh Bharat Mission, Amrit Mission and the campaign to end use of single-use plastic alon with the Namami Gange programme- all have focus on the conservation of environment and water.”
Forest minister Subodh Uniyal said that a target of planting eight lakh saplings has been set for Harela this year. This campaign will continue till August 15. Special focus will be laid on protecting and nurturing the saplings planted. The forester of the sector with the highest success rate will be felicitated. The minister also exhorted the people to make collective efforts for environmental conservation. Tehri MP Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah, Raipupr MLA Umesh Sharma ‘Kau’, Dehradun mayor Sunil Uniyal ‘Gama’, principal chief conservator of forests Anup Malik and others were also present on the occasion.
