Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Harsh Vardhan on Saturday assured that the central Government will extend all possible support to any scheme formulated to realise the vision of enhancing the beauty of the Aravalli range.
Addressing the gathering at a function to inaugurate Swarna Jayanti Nature Camp and launch nature awareness and Aravalli conservation campaign on the occasion of the United Nations World Day to Combat Desertification 2017, in Bhondsi, Harsh Vardhan said that desertification could be tackled effectively with the active participation of the local people and cooperation at all levels.
The Minister exhorted the people of Haryana and the nation to become a large force of ‘Paryavaran Rakshaks’ (environment protectors) to fight the challenges posed by desertification, global warming and climate change.
He also announced that persons who make outstanding contribution in the field of environment protection and conservation would be felicitated on World Environment Day next year. “Persons who are doing good work in this field may upload their photographs with a description of the initiative undertaken by them on the website of Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change envfor.nic.in/. Their names and photographs will be broadcast throughout the country. This will serve as a source of inspiration for other and help prepare a large force of environment protectors,” he added.
Pointing out that modern science and technology and environment could come together to protect the nature, Harsh Vardhan referred to the devising of a solar tree by scientists over an area of four square metres, which generates 5kW of electricity. He also highlighted the leading role played by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to form International Solar Alliance at Conference of Parties in Paris in 2015, and added the Government was firmly committed towards implementing policies on solar energy.
Haryana Chief Minister, Manohar lal Khattar said that climate change was having an adverse impact on the lives of the people, and was also adding to the desertification of land. He stressed that afforestation could act as a bulwark to stop the process of desertification of land.
He also announced that the forest around Bhondsi area had been renamed as ‘Chandra Shekhar Smriti Van’ in the memory of former Prime Minister, Chandra Shekhar. Forest tourism would be encouraged in this area by carrying out development in a regulated manner.
Khattar said the Haryana Government had prepared several scheme for the protection and conservation of the Aravalli area. He had carried out aerial survey of Mangar Bani, after which it was notified as no-construction zone.
He also announced to develop sewerage system on the pattern of cities under ‘Swarna Jayanti Mahagram Vikas Yojana’ in village Bhondsi, and construction of sports stadium over seven acres and boosting station for supply of drinking water to the village. The Gram Panchayat would bear the cost of sewerage system and sports stadium.
Harsh Vardhan and Khattar also flagged of e-rickshaws and a cycle rally within the camp, and also rode a part of the distance at the venue on bicycles to spread the message of protection of environment and good health. They also launched Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Smriti Van Yojana, project for conservation breeding of house sparrow at the camp, and herbal garden and conservation project developed with the support of National Medicinal Plants Board.
A report titled ‘Mapping Aravallis’ prepared by the Wildlife Institute of Dehradun on the condition of the Aravallis was released on the occasion. A short film on the conservation of ‘Goraiya’ (house sparrow) was also screened.