Uttarakhand's New Push for Himalayan Conservation on Himalaya Diwas

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the formation of a special committee dedicated to Himalayan conservation in Uttarakhand. This initiative, led by UCOST Director Durgesh Pant, aims to address ecological concerns exacerbated by climate change. The state is also pioneering efforts in balancing development with environmental sustainability.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced on Monday the formation of a special committee dedicated to the conservation of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand. The committee, led by UCOST Director Durgesh Pant, aims to address rising ecological concerns in light of climate change, Dhami stated during Himalaya Diwas celebrations.

Emphasizing the need for a novel understanding of the Himalayas' significance, Dhami highlighted the state's ongoing projects aimed at reviving water sources and rivers. 'The Himalayas are our invaluable heritage and need to be saved,' he said. Uttarakhand has introduced the Gross Environment Product index to assign monetary value to natural resources, balancing development with ecological preservation.

The Chief Minister also urged NITI Ayog to draft a specific plan for the state's floating population. With its own population of 1.25 crore, Uttarakhand accommodates an additional 10 crore visitors annually. Dhami also revealed plans for the fifth Dehradun International Science and Technology Festival and received praise from environmentalist Anil Prakash Joshi for his conservation initiatives.