Citizens Storm Dehradun Streets in Historic Paryavaran Bachao Walk Against Anti-Green Policies of the Uttarakhand government... Defeating Silence of the Pushkar Singh Dhami Government over Heatwaves Fuels Anger...
DEHRADUN – The bustling streets of Dehradun witnessed an extraordinary gathering today, as thousands rallied for the Paryavaran Bachao Walk, led by Citizens for Green Doon (CFGD).
This unprecedented event brought together residents from all walks of life, voicing their frustration over the government's anti-green policies that have been plaguing Dehradun and Uttarakhand for years.
The citizens’ movement, sparked by the rampant deforestation and the alarming silence from the political establishment regarding the ongoing heatwave in the state, has sparked a newfound hope for sustainable development.
CFGD and a legion of dedicated volunteers organized this massive event, marking a significant day in Dehradun's environmental advocacy history.
#ASilverLining in a Grim Scenario
Anoop Nautiyal, President of SDC Foundation, captured the sentiment perfectly. "In the last 15 years, Uttarakhand has seen the maximum diversion of forests for non-forest use among all Himalayan states," he noted, referencing Lok Sabha data.
"This walk is a powerful message to those who continue to ignore the environmental catastrophe unfolding in our state."
EscalatingCrisis: #ForestFires and Green Areas Lost
Uttarakhand has faced a surge in forest fires, with over 2,200 incidents recorded in the last decade alone, leading to a devastating loss of biodiversity and forest cover.
These fires, often exacerbated by rising temperatures and human activities, are a testament to the growing environmental crisis.
Additionally, the state has seen a dramatic diversion of green areas for non-forest use. Between 2008 and 2023, nearly 14,000 hectares of forest land have been repurposed for infrastructure and development projects, severely impacting the state's ecological balance.
#DefeatingSilence on Heatwaves
Many participants criticized the Uttarakhand government, especially Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, for their silence on the state's severe Heatwaves sweeping Uttarakhand.
"We can't ignore the deafening silence from our leaders while we suffer in the sweltering heat," lamented a participant. "Solutions can only come through acceptance and dialogue."
#Strain on Char Dhams
The popular Char Dham Yatra, a major pilgrimage route, has also faced significant environmental pressures.
The influx of pilgrims has overwhelmed the carrying capacity of the region, leading to increased waste, pollution, and strain on local resources. Infrastructure expansions to accommodate more visitors have further exacerbated the deforestation and ecological degradation in the area.
Despite the government’s inaction, today's event proved that the community is ready to take the lead.
As CFGD and its supporters continue to build on this momentum, there’s hope that this collective action will pave the way for more environmentally friendly policies and practices in Uttarakhand.
