CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Urges Collective Action to Save the Himalayas
Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reiterated the state government’s unwavering commitment to the conservation of the Himalayas, stressing that safeguarding this invaluable heritage is a collective responsibility.
Extending his greetings on the occasion of Himalaya Day, celebrated at the IRDT Auditorium on Tuesday, the Chief Minister said, “The Himalayas are not just a range of snow-clad peaks—they are the lifeline of the Indian subcontinent. They serve as an unshakable guardian in the north and nourish millions through their rivers, forests, and medicinal wealth.”
Highlighting their ecological importance, Dhami noted that the high peaks, glaciers, and biodiversity-rich forests play a vital role in maintaining environmental balance, quenching the thirst of crores, and providing rare Ayurvedic herbs.
However, the Chief Minister warned of growing threats to this fragile ecosystem. “Climate change, unregulated development, and reckless exploitation of natural resources are destabilizing the Himalayas. Rapid glacier melt, intensified rainfall, frequent cloudbursts, and landslides are creating an urgent ecological and water-security crisis,” he said.
Citing recent natural disasters in the state, Dhami emphasized the need for close coordination between scientific institutions and experts. He recalled that the government had formed a high-level committee last year to address these challenges, and announced that Uttarakhand will host the World Disaster Management Conference on Climate Change this November.
Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state has launched several initiatives for long-term Himalayan conservation, including:
👉🏻 Digital Monitoring Systems for environmental tracking
👉🏻 Establishment of a Glacier Research Centre
👉🏻 Water Source Conservation Campaigns
👉🏻 Public Participation Programs for ecological awareness
A notable step, Dhami said, is the introduction of a Digital Deposit Refund System for plastic waste management, which has already reduced 72 tonnes of carbon emissions in the Himalayan region.
The Chief Minister also underlined the need for sustainable tourism, cautioning that uncontrolled travel is damaging the Himalayan environment. “Tourism must grow without harming the ecosystem,” he said.
Dhami praised the traditional wisdom of Himalayan residents, whose knowledge and lifestyles offer sustainable models for living in harmony with nature. He urged citizens to adopt simple conservation measures—saving water, planting trees, and reducing plastic use. He also announced that the state will now celebrate Himalaya Janjagranta Week every year from September 2 to 9 to raise public awareness.
Padma Bhushan awardee Dr. Anil Prakash Joshi, speaking on the occasion, said that recurring natural disasters across the Himalayan belt have made the monsoon season increasingly alarming, stressing the need for fresh environmental strategies.
The event saw the participation of MLA Kishore Upadhyay, Mayor Saurabh Thapliyal, rank holder Madhu Bhatt, UCOST Director General Prof. Durgesh Pant, Suryakant Dhasmana, and several other dignitaries.
