CELEBRATIONS OF
UN WORLD DAY TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION 2017 HELD IN HARYANA
Asserting that
desertification can be tackled effectively and solutions are possible, Union Environment
Minister, Dr Harsh Vardhan has said that active participation of the local
people and cooperation at all levels are the tools to achieve this aim. The
Minister urged the people of Haryana and the nation to become a large force of ‘Paryavaran
Rakshaks’ (environment protectors) to fight the challenges posed by desertification,
global warming and climate change. Addressing
the gathering at a function to inaugurate Swarna Jayanti Nature Camp and
launching of nature awareness and Aravalli conservation campaign in Bhondsi,
near Gurugram in Haryana today, to celebrate the United Nations World Day to
Combat Desertification 2017, the Minister highlighted that such days are in
reality a reminder of the spirit symbolized by that Day.
Dr.
Harsh Vardhan pointed out that modern science & technology and environment
can come together to protect the nature. He referred to the devising of a
solar tree by the scientists on an area of 4 sq. metre, which generates 5 KW of
electricity. In the context, the Minister also highlighted the leading role
played by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, to form the International
Solar Alliance at the Conference of Parties at Paris in 2015 and added that the
Government was firmly committed to implement policies on solar energy.
Dr.
Harsh Vardhan urged the people to go back to their homes with the spirit
imbibed at the celebrations and work
with renewed vigour for afforestation as a means to combat desertification. He
also said that the picturesque Aravalli range is venerable, not just for
the people of Haryana, but the entire nation, and that the people should work
with resolve and dedication to make Aravallis more beautiful. The Minister
added that the Central government will extend all possible support to any
scheme formulated to realize the vision of enhancing the beauty of the Aravalli
range. He reiterated that the people should concentrate on taking small steps
to protect the environment. He reminded the gathering not to forget the lessons
of environment protection imparted to us by our ancestors and in fact, to use
the lessons to protect the nature.

Environment Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan addressing the gathering
Speaking on the
occasion, Chief Minister of Haryana, Shri Manohar Lal,said that climate change
is having an adverse impact on our lives and is also adding to the
desertification of land. He stressed that afforestation can act as a bulwark
to stop the process of desertification of land. The Chief Minister announced
that the forest around Bhondsi area has been renamed as “Chandra Shekhar Smriti
Van” in the memory of former Prime Minister Chandrashekhar.
Secretary,
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Ajay Narayan Jha,
Director General, Forests and Special Secretary, Ministry of Environment,
Forest and Climate Change, Shri Sidhanta Das and other senior officers and
officials of Ministry of MoEFCC attended the celebration. Minister for Public
Works, Forests, Agriculture & Civil Aviation, Haryana, Rao Narbir Singh,
Minister for Industries & Commerce, Environment & Industrial Training,
Haryana, Shri Vipul Goel, Minister of Stare (Independent Charge), Food &
Supplies and Forests, Haryana, Shri Karan Dev Kamboj, MLA, Sohna, Shri Tejpal
Tanwar, MLA, Gurugram, Shri Umesh Aggarwal, MLA, Pataudi, Smt. Bimla Chaudhary
and Sarpanch, Bhondsi, Smt. Durga Devi and people from Bhondsi and nearby areas
were among the distinguished ones in the gathering.
A report prepared by Wildlife Institute
of Dehradun titled “Mapping Aravallis” on the state of Aravallis was released
to mark the occasion. A short film on the conservation of ‘Goraiya’ (house
sparrow) was also screened. Dr. Harsh Vardhan and Shri Manohar Lal also rode a
part of the distance at the venue, on bicycles to spread the message of
environment protection and good health.

Dr Harsh Vardhan pedalling a part of the way on the venue
Earlier, the Environment Minister, Dr
Harsh Vardhan and Chief Minister of Haryana, Shri Manohar Lal, witnessed an
exhibition on United Nations World Day to Combat Desertification, put up by
Haryana government.
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HK