Public Participation Must Become a Mass Movement for Nature Conservation: Sanjay Sood

Tree Plantation Drive Organised at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study on World Environment Day

Shimla, June 5: The Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Rashtrapati Niwas, Shimla, organised a tree plantation drive on Friday to mark World Environment Day. Held in line with this year’s global theme, “Inspired by Nature, for Climate, for our Future,” the programme highlighted the importance of environmental conservation, biodiversity enhancement, and collective responsibility in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

The Chief Guest on the occasion was Shri Sanjay Sood, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force), Himachal Pradesh. Addressing the gathering, the Director of the Institute, Professor Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi, observed that the relationship between nature and human civilisation is one of mutual interdependence. He emphasised that environmental conservation should be viewed not merely as an administrative responsibility but as a social and moral obligation. He further noted that the historic and natural surroundings of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study reflect a rich tradition of preserving and nurturing nature.

In his address, Shri Sanjay Sood stated that challenges such as climate change, increasing pressure on natural resources, and environmental degradation can be effectively addressed only through broad-based public participation, rather than through policy measures alone. He remarked that forests and trees are not merely the foundation of ecological balance but are also directly linked to water security, biodiversity conservation, and the quality of human life. He called upon citizens, particularly the youth and academic institutions, to develop a long-term commitment towards nature conservation.

During the programme, the Chief Guest was felicitated by the Institute with a traditional Himachali cap, a shawl, and a maple sapling. Subsequently, Shri Sanjay Sood, Professor Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi, Secretary of the Institute, and other distinguished participants planted oak and deodar saplings in the Institute campus. Fellows, IUC Associates, officers, and staff members also participated in the plantation drive, reaffirming their commitment to environmental conservation.

The programme witnessed the participation of National Fellows, Tagore Fellows, Fellows, IUC Associates, officers, and employees of the Institute in large numbers.