Himalaya is our future and heritage, it is the responsibility of all of us to keep Himalaya safe from the effects of climate change: CM Dhami
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, in his message issued on the occasion of Himalaya Day, has said that Himalayas not only affect a large population of India but the world. This is both our future and heritage, only if the Himalayas are protected, the evergreen rivers coming out of it will also be safe, most of the country benefits from the water and climate of these holy rivers of Himalayas. It is the responsibility of all of us to keep the Himalayas safe from the effects of climate change. The Chief Minister said that the Himalayas are a matter deeply related to the concerns of our lives. For the conservation of the Himalayas, it is necessary to conserve the rich cultural heritage, rivers and forests of this region. Along with campaigning for the protection of Himalayas at the national level, there is also a need for all Himalayan states to take a pledge towards environmental protection and promotion of Himalayas with mutual coordination.
He said that there is also a need for effective initiatives towards preserving the rich cultural heritage of Himalayas, nature-given biodiversity, glaciers, rivers, lakes. We have to look at the Himalayas in its broader perspective. All the intellectuals, subject experts, nature lovers, scholars studying its totality on the Himalayas on this broad subject will have to come on one platform and think seriously about the broadness of this subject. The Chief Minister said that the Himalayan state is the water pillar of the country, which can contribute effectively in the Jal Shakti Sanchay Mission of Hon’ble Prime Minister. Along with financial support to Himalayan states in centrally funded schemes for conservation and rejuvenation of rivers, there is a need to encourage more Himalayan states for eco system services. Disaster, migration is a common problem of all the Himalayan states. In this direction, everyone will have to work together for the progress of the country. In this regard, the matter of making a separate policy for the Himalayan states has been placed before the NITI Aayog.
He said that Himalayas have importance not only for any state and country but for the whole world. The responsibility of preserving the Himalayas lies with all of us. For the conservation of Himalayas, it is necessary to conserve the culture, rivers and forests here. Along with development, we also have to strike a balance with nature. Conservation of Himalayas is necessary for the conservation of nature. The Himalayan states also need to focus on the integration of ecology and economy in terms of development.
The Chief Minister said that environmental protection is in the nature of the people of Uttarakhand, festivals like Harela are the result of far-reaching thinking of our ancestors to connect with nature. There is a need for integrated thinking on the changes in the environment, global warming as well as issues related to water, forest and land. Only with social consciousness and integrated collective efforts, we can become cooperative in solving this problem.
