Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the State-Level Jan Van Mahotsav in Ramnagar today as part of the Uttarakhand Silver Jubilee celebrations, marking 25 years of the state’s formation.
Our correspondent reports that the event, organised by the Forest Department, showcased Uttarakhand’s commitment to ecological preservation, community participation, and environmental awareness. The festival symbolised the enduring relationship between people and forests, with a focus on balancing development with environmental sustainability.
In his address, Chief Minister Dhami said that the protection of forests and wildlife is deeply rooted in the culture of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. “Conservation of nature is embedded in our traditions and way of life. The philosophy of coexistence between man and nature, given to us by our ancestors, remains the foundation of our sustainable future,” he said.
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The Chief Minister described the Jan Van Mahotsav as a celebration of the inseparable bond between people and forests. He said that development achieves true meaning only when it aligns with ecological balance. He stressed the need to instil environmental consciousness among the youth, calling it the greatest investment for future generations.
Our correspondent adds that Chief Minister Dhami invoked the historic Chipko Movement of 1973, describing it as an enduring symbol of women’s strength, non-violence, and love for nature. “The women of Chamoli, by embracing trees, sent a message to the world about the importance of preserving nature,” he said. The Chief Minister said that the movement not only shaped global environmental thought but also showcased the leadership and courage of Uttarakhand’s women.
Highlighting the state’s progress over 25 years, Dhami said Uttarakhand has maintained an admirable balance between nature, culture, and development. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the state is working to integrate ecology, economy, and technology. Modern methods such as GPS tracking, drone surveillance, and dog squads are now used in wildlife protection, reflecting the state’s focus on technology-driven conservation.
The Chief Minister said the government is promoting eco-tourism to boost employment while preserving natural habitats. Areas like Bijrani, Girija, and Dhikuli zones have been developed as eco-tourism hubs, providing livelihood opportunities to thousands of villagers. He added that skill development programmes are being introduced for nature guides, drone pilots, and wildlife photographers, empowering youth to pursue sustainable livelihoods.
Dhami also interacted with school students who had displayed their artwork on environmental themes at Nagar Van. He praised their creativity and emphasised the importance of involving children in conservation efforts.
During the event, Chief Minister Dhami made several developmental announcements, including the declaration of Leti-Chopra as a new revenue village with all basic amenities, installation of irrigation and drinking water tubewells in Bhalon village, connecting Tumdiya Road to Maldhan, and launching a light and sound show at Nagar Van. He also announced a special training programme for women gypsy drivers for the 2025–26 tourism season and a community souvenir shop in Ramnagar to promote local products.
Our correspondent reports that the Chief Minister also planted a sapling under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign and inspected stalls set up by women’s self-help groups and the forest department.
Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal said the state government is committed to wildlife protection and livelihood enhancement for forest-dependent communities. He noted that the population of wild animals has been steadily rising due to sustained conservation efforts.
Principal Secretary (Forest) R.K. Sudhanshu briefed the gathering on initiatives aimed at preventing human-wildlife conflict and improving ecological resilience.
The event was attended by MLA Diwan Singh Bisht, SC Commission Chairman Mukesh Kumar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Dr Sameer Sinha, Chief Conservator (Kumaon) Dr Tejaswini Patil, Municipal Chairperson Haji Mohammad Akram, District Magistrate Lalit Mohan Rayal, SSP Dr Manjunath TC, and a large number of citizens, students, and forest officials.
The Jan Van Mahotsav concluded with a message of unity, sustainability, and reverence for nature — reaffirming Uttarakhand’s identity as a land of divine beauty and ecological consciousness.
