Dehradun, April 22
On the occasion of Earth Day today, the people of Uttarakhand have little to cheer. Their resources taken away to oil the engine of economy, they can only hope for a new model of development that empowers them.

Social activists warn against the greed for more. Green man and Padma Vibhushan Sunderlal Bahuguna has urged the people not to be taken in by grandiose schemes that view forests as means for generating revenue alone. whereas the role of the hill forests was to maintain climatic balance which was only possible if their ecological importance was kept in mind.

“It will be prejudicial to the existence of nature if we think only in favour short-term economic utility. The only way to go forward is keeping the forests in tact,” said Bahuguna.

Indiscriminate human interference has affected the ecology of hills. Independent reports say the water level in most rivers has come down to 50 per cent. The degradation of rivers could be checked by planting more trees.

“At the time of Independence, we had gurgling water streams, but with each passing year the water level in most rivers has reduced while streams have mostly vanished.

“Water scarcity looms large, it is not possible to import water and the only solution is to plant broad-leaf trees everywhere,” he suggested.

Reckless deforestation is one of the major problems of the region. A few patches, once under cultivation, are now barren with loss of fertility. Expansion of road network is a symbol of development but it poses a threat to the ecosystem. Blasting of mountains and felling forests also damage environment.

“We must remember that the main role of hill forests is not about economics but to maintain a balance in the climatic conditions of the country.

In our zeal to promote GDP-driven policies, we have adopted western parameters for judging prosperity.

“This has left our mountains barren and rivers dry. Even pilgrim sites are being rampantly exploited under the garb of religious tourism. During my countless journeys in the state and around the country, I have sensed a general feeling of helplessness among the people who feel they no longer have control over their resources,” said Padma Shri Dr Anil Joshi, patron of the Himalayan Environment Studies and Conservation Organisation (HESCO), an NGO.

The state of rivers is a major concern. The “Save the Rivers” campaign has not only generated awareness on the impending water crisis in Uttarakhand but also stirred up communities in Kuamon and Garhwal to fight for their right over these resources.

Demanding a uniform and people-friendly rehabilitation policy and ensuring participation of local communities in projects, members of the “Save the Rivers” campaign led by Jamna Lal Bajaj awardee social activist Radha Behen have undertaken padyatras in the river valleys and also shram dhan to clean the streams and rivers.

During the 2008 and 2009 campaigns called “Jal Yatras”, members of the campaign studied the state of 50 big and small rivers, from the Tons in the west to the Kali Ganga in the east and spoke of concerns of men and women living in these valleys. They held padyatras and meetings throughout the year in localities.

“There has been a strong tradition in Uttarakhand of planting trees. Old women and men would plant trees in the hope that many years after they were no more, their grandchildren would be able to savour the fruit of these trees.

“But this tradition may not last with governments becoming apathetic to the concerns of the people,” observed Radha Behen.

A total of 250 power projects are proposed in the state which will affect people in many villages but the objections by grEarth Day: Activists warn against unbridled greed am sabhas and gram panchayat are of no consequence to the powers that be.

In fast-paced consumerism, there is little space for environmental concerns. “I am extremely worried at the uncaring attitude of the government and the bureaucracy. Rain-fed rivers are drying up and there is less water from glaciers. “Farmers too are crying for water, but there is none to pay heed to them,” said Dr Ravi Chopra of the People’s Science Institute.

In the Ganga valley seven dams have been built, 10 are under construction and another 21 are proposed.

In the Yamuna valley six have already been constructed, two are under construction and there is a proposal for 21 more. Besides, there is a proposal for 100 small dams. Tehri has a 65-km-long lake yet people are have to travel several miles to fetch water.

The number of villages that were submerged in the process are 125.

Dehradun, April 22
The State Council for Science and Technology today organised programmes all across the state as part of Earth Day celebrations.

At the main function held here, Prof GS Rawat, secretary, Uttarakhand Chapter of National Science Academy, spoke on the impact of climate change on the state’s flora and fauna.

He said degradation of environment needed to be looked into. Any further delay in the matter could be disastrous.

The principal of Shri Guru Ram Rai (PG) College, Prof VK Boraiyee, said indiscriminate felling of trees was one of the prime causes for degradation of environment.

He said the rising temperatures were a fallout of man’s negligence of environment. It was time that each took the grren pledge.

Dr DP Uniyal, PRO, said progammes had been organised in all 13 districts of Uttarakhand.

Dehradun, April 22
Recession seems to have come as a blessing for youths seeking professional degrees abroad. Recession has made foreign education cost less and thus is an opportunity for those seeking professional degrees.

Prashant Baluni, director of a recruitment company here, said that there has been a sudden increase in the number of students going abroad from Dehradun.

He gave two reasons behind this trend. “Earlier, studying abroad was very costly than education in India. But then by studying abroad, you can complete a particular course in less time than what it takes doing the same course in India.

“For example, an MBA degree in India involves two years of study whereas in foreign countries, you could obtain the same degree in just one year. The same goes for B.Sc which is of two years in foreign counties whereas in India, it involves three years.”

But the important reason behind the increase in the number of students seeking foreign education in recent times has been the reduced value of foreign currencies during this period of recession. This has in turn reduced the tuition fees of most professional courses abroad.

“People are seeing it as an opportunity to seek a foreign degree at a lesser price,” said Prashant.

Avinash is planning to go abroad once his Class XII result is out. “I was in the science stream in Class XII and I want to pursue the rest of my studies abroad. I am on the lookout of a good foreign college and will take admission after my results are out,” said Avinash.

Keshav, who has also appeared for his Class XII examinations recently, said that there is a dearth of good colleges in Dehradun. “Therefore, one needs to get out of the city for a good career,” he said.

Speaking about the recession, he said, “It is good that it happened at this time. By the time we complete our college education, the bad times will be over and we will have opportunities flowing our way.”