Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami joined a state-wide tree planting initiative on Wednesday in Dehradun, celebrating the Harela folk festival. The event, held at the Gorkha Military Inter College Campus, focused on the theme of environmental responsibility. Dhami extended greetings and planted a Rudraksha sapling, emphasizing Harela’s significance in Uttarakhand’s culture and its connection to nature. The government aims to plant approximately 5 lakh saplings during the festival. He highlighted the importance of public participation, including voluntary organizations, students, and women’s groups, in the effort to plant 50% fruit trees in each division of the Forest Department, while also ensuring the long-term care of the planted trees. Referencing national environmental campaigns, the Chief Minister mentioned the state’s commitment and the target of planting 108 crore saplings countrywide this year. He also pointed to the ‘Spring and River Rejuvenation Authority (SARRA)’ and its work in conserving water sources and harvesting rainwater, as well as the ban on single-use plastics and the mandatory use of dustbins in vehicles. Dhami encouraged citizens to plant and care for trees on special occasions to promote environmental conservation. Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal noted that the Harela festival is being celebrated across the state at numerous locations and highlighted the high survival rate of previously planted saplings. He underscored the importance of continuous efforts in plantation and water conservation.
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