Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla stressed the need for protected and balanced development in the direction of environment conservation. He said that today India is emitting the least carbon as compared to the western countries and their environment was so unbalanced that it affected the whole world. The Governor was addressing as the Chief Guest at the ‘North Zone Environment Workshop’ organized by Arogya Bharti Himachal Pradesh in association with National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur at NIT, today.
The Governor said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said in the Environment Summit, “environmental protection is our commitment and not compulsion”. He said that trees and plants have religious importance in our culture and we worship them. He said that he has also reiterated his commitment towards the environment by planting Tulsi saplings in the Raj Bhavan. He added that Himachal Pradesh has good environmental condition and we need to preserve our green cover. He said that for a healthy life we have to adopt chemical free agricultural practices and go back to millets. He said that today climate change has emerged as a matter of global concern which also directly affects us.
He said that due to rapid urbanization, industrialization, population growth and uncontrolled human activities in the northern region, the environmental balance was being affected in a big way. He said that air pollution has become the biggest concern in this area. Industrial emissions, vehicular pollution etc. were contributing factors to this problem, he said. To end this, he advocated strict regulations to promote sustainable development, adopt cleaner technologies. Shiv Pratap Shukla said that water scarcity was another important factor today which needs our attention.
He added that the water sources of the major rivers of the northern region were under threat of pollution, overuse and encroachment. He said that rainwater harvesting, wastewater treatment, and community awareness campaigns could go a long way in ensuring sustainable water supply for future generations. He also stressed on safeguarding the fragile ecosystems and biodiversity of the northern region and said that conservation of habitats of endangered species of wildlife should be given priority and activities like deforestation, illegal wildlife trade and habitat destruction should be discouraged.
The Governor said that climate change was an impending threat and the Himalayan region is particularly vulnerable to the effects of global warming. Hence, there is a need to raise awareness about climate change, promote sustainable practices and support renewable energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, he added. He said that it was important to develop adaptation strategies and build resilience in the face of a changing climate and with our collective efforts we could ensure a greener, cleaner and healthier future for the generations to come.
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is emerging as an inspiration for countries across the world, especially on the fact that economic development and protection of environment can go hand in hand”, said Shukla. Earlier, the Governor also planted a sapling of Indian gooseberry in the NIT campus. National President, Arogya Bharti Dr. Rakesh Pandit welcomed the Governor and said that environment has great importance in our lives and it has a direct impact. Our culture and tradition make us more aware of environmental protection but, one sided development has turned us away from it, he added and said that deforestation, urbanization, industrialization, use of plastic and technological development have also adversely affected the environment.
He said that we need to be sensitive towards environmental protection and like a conscious citizen, environmental protection has to be made a part of life. Director, NIT Prof. Hiralal Murlidhar Suryavanshi welcomed the Governor to the Institute and gave detailed information about various activities of the institute particularly towards environment protection. He highlighted the importance of waste management and informed about the efforts of all the institutions associated with Unnat Bharat Abhiyan of the Institute. He called upon all the participants to work towards environmental protection.
National Secretary of Arogya Bharti Dr. Ashok Kumar said that it is an organization serving the society, and associated with the protection of the health of the people. He said that 20 thousand Arogya Mitras associated with the organization were working in rural areas. Secretary, Arogya Bharti Himachal Hemraj presented the vote of thanks. Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Berwa, Superintendent of Police Dr. Aakriti Sharma and representatives of Arogya Bharti from five states were also present on the occasion.
