Dehradun witnessed a significant tree planting drive on Wednesday, led by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, as part of the Harela folk festival celebrations. The event took place at the Gorkha Military Inter College Campus and centered around the theme of environmental preservation. Chief Minister Dhami offered his best wishes and planted a Rudraksha plant, emphasizing Harela’s cultural and environmental significance. The state has a target to plant about 5 lakh saplings on the day of the Harela festival, and the government is seeking cooperation from various groups. The goal is to plant 50% fruit trees in each division of the Forest Department. Dhami stressed the need to ensure that saplings thrive into trees. He referenced national environmental initiatives, including the aim to plant 108 crore saplings nationwide this year. The ‘Spring and River Rejuvenation Authority (SARRA)’ has been established for environmental protection. The state has banned single-use plastics and mandated the use of dustbins in vehicles. The Chief Minister urged citizens to participate in environmental conservation by planting trees and caring for them. Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal stated that Harela is celebrated at many locations across the state and highlighted the successful survival rate of previously planted saplings. The minister also emphasized the need for ongoing efforts in planting and water conservation.
