Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday participated in the state-wide plantation drive on the occasion of Uttarakhand’s folk festival Harela at Gorkha Military Inter College campus, Dehradun. Extending greetings to people of the state, he planted a Rudraksh sapling under the theme “Celebrate Harela festival, repay the debt of Mother Earth.”
CM Dhami said Harela is not just a festival but a deep feeling tied to the culture, nature and consciousness of Uttarakhand, reminding us of our environmental responsibilities. He informed that a target of planting 5 lakh saplings on Harela has been set this year, with 50% of them being fruit trees in each forest division. He stressed on ensuring regular care of these saplings till they become trees.
Referring to campaigns like Panchamrit Sankalp, Net Zero Emission, Lifestyle for Environment and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam led by Prime Minister Modi, he said the state government is committed to these values. This year, a national target of planting 108 crore saplings has been set.
Highlighting water conservation efforts, the CM informed about the creation of SARRA (Spring and River Rejuvenation Authority) under which over 6,500 water sources have been rejuvenated, collecting 3.12 million cubic meters of rainwater so far. He also noted the ban on single-use plastic and mandatory dustbins in vehicles.
Agriculture Minister Ganesh Joshi said Harela reflects Uttarakhand’s centuries-old cultural consciousness and environmental commitment. Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal said Harela is being celebrated at 2,389 locations across the state, with over 80% survival rate of saplings planted during the last three years. He cautioned that declining water levels call for sustained plantation and water conservation efforts.
The event saw the presence of MLAs, Dehradun Mayor, Chief Secretary, DGP, Chief Forest Conservator and other officials.
