Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday attended a state-level consultation workshop in Dehradun on enforcing the ban on single-use plastic. The workshop was organised by the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board in Dehradun on the occasion of Global Tiger Day.
Dhami stressed the importance of protecting forests and maintaining a balance between the environment and economic growth. He said healthy forests are vital for the wider ecosystem and also play a key role in protecting the tiger population.
Speaking at the event, Dhami said, "This is a really special day for us. If our forests remain safe, the entire ecology will prosper. When the entire ecology prospers, tigers will remain safe. When the tigers remain safe, the balance in nature will remain secure. We always say that there should be a balance between ecology and economy."
Later, while speaking to reporters, the Chief Minister called for greater public awareness and participation in the drive against single-use plastic. He urged tourists to enjoy their trips responsibly and not leave waste behind.
"Today is World Tiger Day. On this occasion, the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board has organised a seminar here focusing on the ban on single-use plastic and its effective implementation. This seminar will certainly help raise awareness among everyone. People visit from various places; we urge them to fully enjoy their travels and visit different locations, but to ensure they do not leave any litter behind. Additionally, we are taking initiatives to involve the younger generation in the plastic-free campaign," Dhami told reporters.
International Tiger Day is observed every year on July 29 to underline the importance of protecting tigers across the world. In India, the occasion also highlights the government's continued focus on science-based wildlife conservation and sustainable development.
The day also puts India's progress in tiger conservation in the spotlight. The country is now home to the world's largest population of wild tigers and accounts for nearly 70 per cent of the global wild tiger population.
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