A group of environmentalists and civil society activists observed Himalaya Day and demanded a comprehensive policy to protect the world’s longest and tallest range and its ecosystems on Thursday.
Observing the Himalaya Day for the first time, members from about 22 organisations released a Himalayan people’s manifesto, urging the government to formulate a focused policy for saving the Himalayas and its people.
“This manifesto will undergo a series of discussions and debates all over the country for the next one year. On the Himalaya Day next year, a final manifesto will be released, which will be presented to the government and policy makers as a blueprint of the steps needed to preserve the mountain,” eminent environmentalist Anil Joshi told IANS .
“The Himalayas are the base of life not only for India but for the whole of South Asia. The adverse effect of industrial activities is evident. There is a need for a comprehensive policy to address all the issues of environment, social issues and scientific issues of the Himalayas,” Joshi said.
