Environment protection our priority: Himachal CM
Shimla, August 30
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inaugurated the “Wetlands for Life” film festival and forum, organised by the HP State Wetland Authority, HP Council for Science, Technology and Environment and the Department of Environment, Science, Technology and Climate Change.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION CRUCIAL
Today, it’s raining in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti areas that historically never received rainfall. Due to carbon emissions and changes in our lifestyle, the earth’s temperature is rising and we are witnessing its harsh consequences in every part of the world. However, it is not too late. Public participation is crucial in addressing this issue. It is not solely the govt’s responsibility. — Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Chief Minister
The event featured the screening of short films, including Guardians of Wetlands: Women as Stewards of Conservation, Green Renuka Ji Fair: A Collective Endeavour of Renuka Lake, and Municipal Solid Waste around wetlands in Himachal Pradesh, initiative of healing Himalayas.
Speaking on the occasion, Sukhu said environmental protection was the priority of the state government and it was working tirelessly to preserve the natural beauty and ecological balance of the state. “Last year, Himachal Pradesh faced a disaster unlike any we have witnessed in our lifetime. Every part of the state suffered significant damage. Today, it is raining in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti areas that historically never received rainfall. Due to carbon emissions and changes in our lifestyle, the earth's temperature is rising and we are witnessing its harsh consequences in every part of the world,” he said.
“However, it is not too late. Public participation is crucial in addressing this issue. It is not solely the government's responsibility, but people must also engage in this noble cause,” said the CM.
He further said that the state was considered “the lungs of North India” and to protect its forests, the government was involving women's groups in tree conservation efforts, and the state had numerous measures in direction of environmental conservation and preservation.
He said such film festivals played a crucial role in drawing attention to the important issue of the wetlands. “The protection of wetlands and lakes is essential to the survival of our society and future generations and the lessons young people learn through these films would play a significant role in preserving our wetlands,” he said.
He said the state’s culture was deeply connected to environmental conservation and stressed on the importance of preparing the younger generation to face environmental challenges. “Our aim is to make Himachal Pradesh an environmentally beautiful state which will, in turn, boost tourism activities," he said.
The CM reiterated that achieving self-reliance through renewable energy and the tourism sector was a priority for the state, but it is equally important to maintain a balance with the environment. “To reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions, the government is promoting e-vehicles. Several efforts were being made on multiple fronts to reduce carbon emissions,” he added.
He lauded the efforts of all stakeholders for conservation and preservation of the wetlands and said that wetlands cover only 6 per cent of the earth's surface, yet these are home to nearly 40 per cent of the world's plant and animal species.
