A group of environmentalists and social activists presently undertaking a national Himalaya policy campaign have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi complaining about the continued apathy being faced by the Himalayas. With a request to facilitate formation of a specific Himalaya policy, the activists have also submitted the draft of Himalaya public policy 2014.
It will be recalled that a group of activists began the first stage of the national Himalaya policy campaign from Gangotri on October 11. The campaigners held public discussions on the need for Himalaya policy at many places before concluding the first stage of the campaign at Haridwar.The second and third phases of this campaign will be from Haridwar to Varanasi and from Varanasi to Gangasagar respectively. According to campaigner Suresh Bhai of Nadi Bachao Abhiyan, the campaigners have also sent a letter to the PM on the issue.
“We have written to the PM pointing out that in its election manifesto the BJP had talked of a Himalaya policy. At a time when the Central Government is focusing on efforts to clean the Ganga river, the source of the Ganga-the Himalayas should also be accorded attention.
The demand for a separate policy for the Himalayas has been raised repeatedly since India gained independence and many scientists and institutions have done research on this subject so far. In the past five years, there has been much debate on this issue in Uttarakhand and other Himalayan States and a draft Himalaya public policy 2014 was made. This draft was given to members of the 15th lok Sabha but the Himalayas continue to face apathy.
However, this time, the formation of a Himalaya ministry has already been debated in the lok Sabha which has made campaigners hopeful,” said Suresh Bhai. Seeking a strong Himalaya policy, the campaigners have expressed hope that the PM will also consider suggestions in the draft Himalaya public policy 2014 submitted to him.