Chamoli/Mussoorie/Haldwani: Traditional folk festival Harela is being celebrated with great enthusiasm across the state. This festival is being celebrated with the resolution of environmental protection. On this occasion, plantation programs were organized at various places. Along with plantation programs, people have started this festival with a special resolution. On the occasion of this festival, Uttarakhand Forest Department is organizing large tree plantation programs under Forest Festival in Terai.
Forest Department and ITBP tree plantation: Terai Eastern Forest Division organized Forest Festival program. In which tree plantation was done on a large scale along with Indo Tibet Police Force i.e. ITBP. During this, medicinal and fruit bearing plants will be planted. Tree plantation was done by Lalkuan MLA Mohan Singh Bisht along with DFO Terai Eastern Forest Division Himanshu Bagdi. DFO Himanshu Bagdi said that under the Harela program, a target has been set to plant five lakh saplings under the division. Under which it was started on the occasion of Harela festival. He said that under the program, building, medicinal and fruit trees are to be planted in the forest and its surrounding areas. A tree plantation program was organized in the Bindukhatta area of Gaula Range. He said that due to the absence of fruit trees in the forests, wild animals are coming out of the forests and reaching the population. In such a situation, due to the presence of fruit plants in the forest, animals will not reach the populated area.
Environmentalist Chandi Prasad Bhatt planted trees: In Chamoli, District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari gave the message of environmental protection by planting trees near the new bus stand under construction near the Gopeshwar-Ghigharan motor road on the occasion of Harela festival. He said that Harela is not just a festival, but a symbol of our connection with nature and our responsibility towards the environment. This festival inspires us to increase the green area and maintain climate balance. On this occasion, renowned environmentalist Chandi Prasad Bhatt also expressed his views. He said that youth, women and students are coming forward as the biggest allies of environmental protection today. Their efforts have strengthened the environment. He said that the common people have to be made to understand that the first loss due to forest fire is to the people themselves, so everyone has to take responsibility for the protection of forests.
Harela in Congress Bhawan in Mussoorie: A special program was organized for this in Congress Bhawan in Mussoorie. Not only were plants distributed in the program, but the unique appeal to nurture them like a family member caught everyone’s attention. Former MLA Jot Singh Gunsola, while addressing the workers present, said that Harela festival is not just a festival of planting trees, it is an opportunity to sow the future. Planting a tree and taking a photo is not enough, the real work is its upbringing. Just as we raise our children with love, it is important to nurture every plant in the same way.
