PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun
Giving a call for a mass movement against single-use plastic, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has said that an effective and decisive campaign against single-use plastic is the need of the hour to protect forests, rivers and wildlife. He was addressing a state-level consultation workshop on ‘Effective Implementation and Enforcement of Single-Use Plastic Ban’ here on Wednesday. The programme was held on the occasion of the Global Tiger Day.
Dhami said that effective implementation of the ban on single-use plastic is not possible through government efforts alone. It requires public participation, public awareness and the active cooperation of every citizen, he said. The CM averred that organizing a workshop on this topic on the occasion of Global Tiger Day is extremely meaningful. “This event is not just a workshop, but a collective resolve to ensure a clean, safe and green future for future generations. The tiger is a symbol of our rich biodiversity and balanced ecosystem. If our forests are protected, tigers will be protected and the balance of nature will also be restored,’’ he said. Dhami said that in Indian culture, nature is considered a mother figure and being Devbhoomi, Uttarakhand holds a unique identity across the country for its rich biodiversity, forest wealth and wildlife conservation. The State’s forest areas, including the Corbett Tiger Reserve and the Rajaji Tiger Reserve, are powerful symbols of this heritage.
The CM said that single-use plastic poses a serious threat to the environment, rivers, soil, water sources and wildlife. Plastic discarded in forest areas often ends up in wildlife food, adversely affecting their health. He said that an effective and decisive campaign against single-use plastic is the need of the hour to protect forests, rivers and wildlife.
The CM said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, initiatives such as the Swachchh Bharat Abhiyan, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, Namami Gange and the promotion of clean energy have transformed environmental protection into a mass movement. He said that the State government is also working tirelessly to give top priority to environmental protection and added that development and environment are complementary to each other.
The CM said that the State government is conducting extensive public awareness campaigns, inspections, and enforcement measures to effectively implement the ban on single-use plastic. Special campaigns are being conducted to ensure that Char Dham Yatra routes and major tourist destinations are plastic-free.
He appealed to people to use cloth bags, jute and other environmentally friendly products. He also urged pilgrims and tourists visiting the State not to leave plastic or other types of waste at natural sites. He also asked the industry to adopt eco-friendly packaging and modern recycling techniques.
Dehradun Mayor Saurabh Thapliyal, Tehri District Panchayat president Ishita Sajwan, principal secretary RK Sudhanshu, Head of Forest Force Kapil Lal and others attended the conference.
