Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the seminar organized on the topic ‘Climate Change and Renewable Energy – Challenges and Solutions’ at the Wadia Institute. Addressing the seminar, the CM said that at present climate change stands as a serious challenge for the whole world. Recalling the experience of last year’s summer, he said that due to climate change, the temperature in various mountainous areas including Dehradun was much higher than before. At such a time, it is a commendable effort to spread awareness about climate change and discuss its solutions in depth. This seminar is not only an opportunity to understand the challenges of climate change, but also a unique platform to strengthen our resolve towards the environment.
The Chief Minister said that lakhs of saplings are being planted in the state under the “Hariyali Mission”. Through “Jal Shakti Abhiyan”, efforts are being made to revive ponds and traditional water sources in 1000 villages. Spring and River Rejuvenation Authority has also been formed with the aim of promoting water conservation in the state, under which 5500 water sources and 292 tributary rivers have been identified and treated. With the help of Wadia Institute, we have also established Glacier Study Center, so that we can understand the signals given by nature and work by making effective policies to prevent its erosion.
The Chief Minister said that the 38th National Games held in the state were organized on the theme of Green-Games. 2.77 hectares of forest area was established as ‘Khel Van’ by planting one Rudraksha plant in the name of all the players who won medals during the entire event. Uttarakhand is the first state in the country where an attempt is being made to assess the environmental contributions of water, forest, land and mountains by preparing an index of GEP i.e. Gross Environment Product on the lines of GDP. Green energy is being promoted on a large scale in place of fossil-based fuel. Along with the implementation of the “New Solar Energy Policy”, work is being done towards achieving 1400 MW solar capacity by the year 2027. A large number of people are installing solar panels in the state by taking advantage of the subsidy under “PM Suryaghar Yojana” and “Mukhyamantri Solar Swarojgar Yojana”.
Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal said that to preserve forest wealth, it is necessary to connect local people with forests. This will preserve our forests and also provide livelihood to people. A detailed plan has been made to reduce forest fires.
On this occasion, folk singer Narendra Singh Negi, Youth Foundation founder Colonel Ajay Kothiyal (retd), Chief Forest Conservator Dr Dhananjay Mohan, Wadia Director Dr Vineet Kumar Gehlot, scientist Dr J B Singh, Dr Hridaya Chauhan along with scientists from various institutions and listeners were present.
