Himalayan ecology deteriorating dangerously: Bahuguna

The Hindu , Thursday, September 03, 2009
Correspondent : Special Correspondent
SRINAGAR: Chipko Movement founder Sundar Lal Bahuguna has expressed concern over the depleting water resources in the Himalayas and called for concrete steps to protect them from further damage.

Kick-starting his “Save Himalaya” campaign here on Wednesday, Mr. Bahuguna appealed to the people to save the pristine resources which, he said, were under a grave threat and “if something is not done now, it will be difficult to save them.”

Austerity, alternative resources and afforestation were the best ways to save the environment. “There is nothing like [the] Himalayas as far as the permanent sources of water are concerned. But its ecology is deteriorating to dangerous levels. We need to raise our concerns about this serious issue,” he told a press conference here.

“We have to save [the] Himalayas for safeguarding water resources for our progeny. They will otherwise curse us.”

On heavy militarisation near these water resources, Mr. Bahuguna said he was aware of the problem. “I am trying to collect information regarding this to sensitise politicians and policymakers. I will raise my voice against such issues. But the youth and the media also have a role to play.”

During his two-day visit here, the veteran activist met various people including Governor N. N. Vohra and Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand. He said climate change had not spared Kashmir. The threat was visible in significant weather changes.

A leading environmentalist, Mr. Bahuguna has fought for preservation of forests in the Himalayas for years together, first as a member of the Chipko movement in the 1970s, and later by spearheading the Anti-Tehri Dam movement, which began in the 1980s, till early 2004.

Now, Mr. Bahuguna is leading the group “Save Himalayas” which will travel to all Himalayan States and neighbouring countries to hold consultations with the heads of governments, eminent citizens, the media and civil society groups, in a bid to initiate fresh dialogue on nature, livelihood and environmental responsibilities.

Kishore Upadhayay, MLA from Tehri in Uttarakhand, said the group was formulating a comprehensive strategy to take this movement to the people on a large scale.

Harsh, editor of Combat Law and member of the group, said: “We are here to consolidate a pan-Himalayan voice for its safety. The ecology of the Himalayas has implications for the whole of India and neighbouring geographies.”

 
SOURCE : http://www.hindu.com/2009/09/03/stories/2009090356862000.htm
 


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