The Himalayas and their unique environment are facing a serious threat and a separate policy for the Himalayan region is vital to address this problem. The Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee president Kishore Upadhyay said this at a programme organised by the PCC to mark Himalaya Day.
Speaking on the occasion, the PCC chief recalled that he had participated in the movement headed by environmentalist Sunderlal Bahuguna for preserving the Himalayas from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh. Stating that the ecology of the Himalayas is facing a serious problem, Upadhyay stressed on the need for a specific policy for the Himalayan region. “Considering the global warming being experienced at present, the future generations could face a shortage of clean air, drinking water and food in the future. The disaster experienced during June 2013 in Kedarnath has alerted us about the danger looming over the Himalayas due to global climatic changes.
The international community is facing the threat of climate change. Uttarakhand will experience more effect than other Himalayan States from any threat affecting the Himalayas. A separate policy should be framed for the Himalayan States with aquatic life, wildlife, women and youth at its centre. Apart from participation of the government, environmentalists and voluntary organisations, efforts for conserving the Himalayas also need strong public participation for which a meet of public representatives from Himalayan States should be organised,” said the PCC chief.
He also said that he had requested the Vidhan Sabha speakers of Himalayan States to submit a unanimous proposal to the Centre for drafting a separate policy for the Himalayan region.
He said that the Central Government should provide reservation for the people of Uttarakhand and other Himalayan States in addition to special subsidy on lPG cylinders.
PCC vice president Jot Singh Bisht and other party leaders were also among those present on the occasion.