On the eve of the World Environment Day, Uttarakhand Governor Dr Aziz Qureshi has issued a message and said that the environment day was observed on a global level to enhance social awareness across the world regarding the need to preserve and nurture our environment. Keeping in mind this year's theme "Small Island Developing States" (SIDS) chosen by the UNEP for World Environment, a greater understanding was required regarding the importance of SIDS and of the urgency to protect the islands in the face of growing risks and vulnerabilities ,specially as a result of climate change.
The Governor said that the WED was an opportunity for everyone to realise their responsibility to care for the Earth and to become agents of change. He said that each one of us should resolve to make sustainable use of our precious natural resources like water and forests . He said that these resources have linked to our livelihood and survival as well as our cultural and religious beliefs since time immemorial. "The modern lifestyle is taking us away from our awareness of the need to conserve these resources."
It was a matter of pride that Uttarakhand gave the message of Chipko to the entire world. However, he expressed concern at the fact that today, the forests in this region were being lost to fires. He said our holy rivers like Ganga and Yamuna were victims of pollution and this was challenging our model of civilisation, culture and development. "let us rise above our own personal interests and resolve to protect nature. Else mankind will be in danger," he said.