Lok Sabha speaker calls for collective efforts for sustainable conservation

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday called for active participation of all stakeholders including government institutions and local bodies to ensure sustainable development and ecological balance. Addressing representatives of Van Panchayats and elected members of local bodies at the Dr Raghunandan Singh Tolia Uttarakhand Academy of Administration in Nainital, Birla stressed that empowering local communities is essential for national progress. ''The Van Panchayats of Uttarakhand have emerged as a successful model of community-based forest management,'' Birla said. He lauded Uttarakhand's cultural heritage, stating that the state serves as a living example of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. ''Traditions such as reverence for water and trees continue to guide sustainable lifestyles today,'' Birla added. The speaker referenced historical resistance by local communities against the exploitation of forest resources during the colonial period. He noted that legislative and policy efforts for forest rights have remained consistent since the 1930s. Birla urged local bodies to develop environment-friendly livelihood opportunities and promote public participation to combat climate change. During the interaction, representatives raised issues regarding forest fire prevention, institutional strengthening, and financial assistance. Birla assured the members that their suggestions and challenges would be raised at the national level.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)