Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna has advocated banning polythene carry bags and setting up of Environment Directorate in the state.
Speaking as the Chief Guest of a program organized by Forest Department and Pollution Control Board to commemorate World Environment Day on Tuesday, Mr. Bahuguna expressed concern over forest fires and said that presently there was 2, 500 km long Fire Line in the state. "We will try to increase it upto 9,000 km," he said. Mr. Bahuguna said that stringent action would be taken against the persons found involved in forest fires.
Laying emphasis on general awareness towards environment conservation, the Chief Minister said special subject on environment ought to be included in the syllabus to connect maximum youths with environment conservation. He pointed out that economy and human lives of Uttarakhand was largely depended on Environment. Asserting on the balance between environment and development, Mr. Bahuguna maintained that along with the preservation of environment it would be ensured that basic facilities of local people were not adversely affected due to Acts related to environment. "We all have to put unified effort for Green Economy," he exhorted.
Mr. Bahuguna disclosed that financial assistance of Rs. 80,000 has been sanctioned for Environmentalist Rambabu 'Junglee' who is presently admitted in CMI Hospital.
Also present on the occasion were MLA Kunwar Pranav Singh Champion, Mayor Vinod Chamoli, Principal Chief Forest Conservator Dr. RBS Rawat, President of CII Uttarakhand Chapter R Aggarwal, President of Indian Medical Association Dr. Rajesh Kalra and Member Secretary of Environment Conservation & Control Board Jayraj.
Chief Minister Bahuguna also planted sapling at his residence.