Bahugana calls for mass movement to save Himalayas

Jalandhar, Sep 22 (UNI) Renowed environmentalist Sunder Lal Bahugana today called for a strong mass movement to save the Himalayan ecology and climate from destruction which posed varied problems, including severe water crisis.

Speaking at the Nature Conservation Festival, organised by Vajra Army Wives Welfare Association(AWWA) at the Jalandhar Cantonement here, he said snowfall had been declining in the Himalayas and most of glaciers in the region were receding and melting fast.

Mr Bahuguna said various scientific studies have suggested that the Gangotri Glacier, the origin of the Ganga river, is also receding fast and the entire glacier is feared to melt down by the year 2025.

The reduction of ice and melting of glaciers will not only have multifaceted adverse effect but also aggravate water crisis.

He said that a mass movement should be initiated to protect tree cover in the Himalayas and a massive afforestation drive launched in and around its foothills to save the Himalayas.

''Our task could be achieved if we bother to defend and promote our anicient forest oriented heritage and life style'', the propounder of the Chipko movement said.

He said forest oriented ancient life style could ensure minimal consumerism and lower the consumption level.

Mr Bahugana said dams are not the viable and long lasting solution of water crisis and that is why Tehri Dam Project was opposed. Dam was the temporary solution of a perennial water problem.

Mr Bahuguna said only conservation of Himalayan climate and ground water table could be the long laasting solution to the problem and this could be achieved by environment protection and afforestation.

WWF India Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer Ravi Singh also spoke on the occasion.

UNI SS VKJ SI SSC1406