Saturday, 20 JULY 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Uttarakhand has become the first State in India where the development of the ecosystem will be assessed through the Gross Environmental Product Index (GEP). This index was launched by chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami here on Friday. The GEP index will be based on four main indicators- water, air, forests and soil. Dhami said that a special cell will be formed for the effective implementation of this index.
Speaking after launching the GEP index, the CM said that this development will help establish a better balance between ecology and economy. The analysis of this indicator will also help in fixing future targets for environmental conservation while also raising public awareness on the subject. “There is no dearth of forest wealth in Uttarakhand, what is needed is its proper use. We need to focus on tree plantation along with revival of water sources. Uttarakhand provides direction to the world in the sphere of environmental conservation,” the CM said. Dhami averred that considerable work is being done for water conservation in the State with the number of Amrit Sarovars being raised at a brisk pace. District magistrates, Forest department and other executing agencies have been directed to ensure their conservation and rise in the water level. The CM said that large scale tree plantation is being undertaken across the State from July 16 to August 15 with a target of planting 1.64 lakh saplings set for this period.
Environmentalist and Padma Bhushan recipient Anil Prakash Joshi spoke in detail about GEP index. Forest minister Subodh Uniyal and others were also present on the occasion.
