Protecting Himalayas a global responsibility: Kewal Singh Pathania
Addresses National Conference of State Legislatures Summit in Boston
While delivering the guest speech in the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Summit in Boston, USA, Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania highlighted the measures being adopted to transform Himachal’s Future through tourism which has always remained the focal point of the State Government.
Giving the credit to Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for the same, he stated that our government was re-imaging the State’s future around Green development, advanced health care and inclusive growth.
Starting his address with ‘Namaste’, Kewal Pathania said that our government believes that tourism must serve both the people and the planet.
Highlighting the eco-tourism policy of the State, he said that a small Dharamshala assembly constituency was heading towards becoming the tourism capital of Himachal Pradesh. The region has enough prospects for water tourism viz: water sports potential in Ramsar Wetland popularly known as Pong Dam. Besides, there was enough scope for development of trekking in Dhauladhar ranges.
Briefing more, he said that besides the development of the Kareri lake in Dharamshala, the Government was keen to develop water sports at Taleru in waters of Chamera reservoir on river Ravi.
Citing examples of water sports and introduction of Shikaras in Gobind Sagar dam, he apprised that Gobind Sagar Lake has become hub of water-sport activities which includes Kayaking, boating and other similar activities.
To promote eco tourism, the government mulls to develop ropeways and discourage cutting of mountains for developing four-lanes. The government was focusing on tunnels and ropeways to minimize unfavorable impact on the nature due to ever-growing development activity.
“Climate Justice for Himalayas is a climate justice for all,” he stated, adding that “the Himalayas are under severe stress due to climate change, as glaciers in the region are retreating 15-20 meters annually, threatening water security in times to come. The number of cloudbursts and flash floods have increased tremendously and forest fires are posing threat to bio-diversity. The only solution to all this is promoting eco-tourism, as it is not just a revenue generation model but a much-needed climate action put in practice”.
He also detailed about the measures being undertaken to realise the dream of ‘Green Himachal-Clean Himachal’ soon. Kewal Singh Pathania stated that e-vehicles were being promoted on large scale and the entire fleet of our Public transport was being replaced by e-vehicles in a phased manner. He also detailed about the digital transformation in the State and said that the Himachal Pradesh Legislative assembly was the first in the country to become paperless.
“My State of Himachal Pradesh stands here today to share its experience and learn from the best Global practices for environmental conservation as we believe that eco-tourism, Green energy and digital governance were the pillars of future-ready democracy,” he said.
He added that protecting mountains was a global responsibility as anything happening in Himalayas due to climate change affects our river systems causing floods, heavy monsoons etc. This could directly affect 1.9 billion population of Asia and there it becomes the core issue in the conference, as how to go for changing the climate pattern for welfare of the global community.
Sh. Pathania also pointed the advanced healthcare of the State which is transforming itself in digital health with precision care, bridging gaps in rural and urban health infra for saving precious lives.
He invited the International partners, researchers and investors to join and provide latest technology to make Himachal a model where development and conservation of the nature’s wealth could be utilized for the welfare of the people.
MLA’s Sanjay Awasthi, Vinod Sultanpuri and Deep Raj also participated in the discussions.
