A total of 31,000 trees are being planted in 11 areas demarcated in the catchment area of the Rispana river in Dehradun. Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said this after planting a sapling at Mothrowala area as part of the Rispana to Rishiparna campaign on the occasion of Harela on Tuesday.
The chief minister said that most of the trees being planted in the catchment area of the Rispana are Peepal and Banyan.
He recalled that extensive tree plantation was carried out last year too as part of efforts aimed at the revival of the Rispana and Kosi rivers. Arrangements have been made to ensure the safety of the trees being planted at Mothrowala.
He stressed that all will have to focus on tree plantation and environmental conservation to ensure clean air and environment for the future generations.
Rawat said, “Our ancestors made serious efforts to protect trees and the environment. Peepal, banyan and plantain were accorded special significance in our religious scriptures. All of us should make a commitment to ensure that the coming generations get a good environment,” said the Chief Minister.
The State’s Forest and Environment minister Harak Singh Rawat said that along with plantation of trees, special focus will also have to be laid on ensuring their protection.
Stating that Uttarakhand is a state rich in biodiversity, he said that it accounts for about 28 per cent of the nation’s biodiversity.
Stating that Uttarakhand carries the responsibility of protecting ecology, he stressed on maintaining the tradition of planting trees in memory of ancestors and to celebrate birthdays and marriages. Extensive tree plantation is being undertaken to mark Harela this year.
A total of 6.25 lakh saplings are being planted across the state while 4.50 lakh were planted to mark the occasion last year.
Mayor Sunil Uniyal, MLA Vinod Chamoli, principal chief conservator of forests Jai Raj and Dehradun district magistrate C Ravishankar along with volunteers and concerned citizens were also among those present on the occasion.