PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the concerns of Himalayan States resulting from climate change need to be raised more strongly at the national and international levels. He announced Rs one crore for increasing basic facilities and resources in the Himalaya council. The Himalaya Vibhuti Samman will be presented annually to researchers, scientists, social workers and special personalities for their commendable work for conservation and sustainable development in the Himalaya, he said. The CM was speaking at the ‘Himalayo Nam Nagadhirajah’ organised to mark Himalaya Day at the Veer Madho Singh Uttarakhand Technical University here on Monday. Stating that the Himalaya are not a mere mountain range, he said that they are the foundation of the people’s identity, culture and existence. “Climate change and global warming are emerging as major challenges for the world and their impact is clearly visible in the Himalaya. New challenges are being posed consistently by rising pressure on glaciers, drying up of traditional water sources, extreme weather events, forest fires, landslides and flash floods. It is essential to respect the sensitivity of the Himalaya and go ahead with development works combining science, safety and nature. The effect of climate change doesn’t go by State or national boundaries. While the Himalayan regions contribute very less to environmental damage, such regions too may have to pay a heavy price for climate change. Considering this, tackling climate change is a collective responsibility. This concern of the Himalayan States needs to be raised more strongly at the national and international levels,” Dhami said. Stating that mountainous regions need roads, electricity, good education, health facilities and employment, he said that Uttarakhand’s development model should be according to its geographical conditions and requirements. “We want development which includes the construction of roads along with protection of forests; increases employment while keeps the rivers clean and which keeps the carrying capacity of the mountains in mind while boosting tourism,” he said. The CM also spoke about the various projects initiated under Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the conservation of the Himalaya and the environment. He said that Himalayan conservation should not be limited to government programmes and seminars but should become a people’s movement. The protection of the Himalaya should also be linked to prosperity. Employment in the villages, market for local products, economic empowerment of women, natural farming and environment-friendly tourism can help check migration from the mountains, he said. MLA Kishore Upadhyay, Padma Bhushan recipient environmentalist Anil Joshi, VMSUTU vice chancellor Tripta Thakur, UCOST director general Durgesh Pant and others were also present on the occasion.
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