Interactive session on World Environment Day's theme ‘Only One Earth’ held

"Chandigarh is a city whose green belt has increased with its rising population": Debendra Dalai
Chandigarh, June 5, 2022: The Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industries of India (ASSOCHAM) in association with the Department of Forests and Wildlife, Chandigarh celebrated the World Environment Day(WED) 2022 by organising an interactive session with students based on this year's theme ‘Only One Earth’ at Chandigarh Bird Park, Sector 1, Chandigarh.

This year's ‘World Environment Day’ theme ‘Only One Earth’ focuses on Living Sustainably in Harmony with Nature as it calls for collective, transformative action on a global scale to celebrate, protect and restore our planet.

More than 40 students from Rayat Bahra University and the Institute of Professional Banking participated in the informative session with full enthusiasm. The talk was conducted by eminent speakers - Debendra Dalai, IFS, CCF Director Environment and Forest department, Chandigarh; Praveen Yadav, RFO Environment and Forest Department, Chandigarh and Drishmeet Buttar, Co-Chairman, ASSOCHAM Chandigarh UT Development Council.

Dalai apprised attendees of the green initiatives taken by the UT Administration for the betterment of the city’s environment such as the laying of Cycle Tracks, Electric Vehicles endorsement and solar panels installation. Talking about the city's greenery, Dalai further informed students, “Chandigarh is a city whose green belt has increased with its rising population."

Drishmeet Buttar said, “The objective of today's session was to promote awareness about the rising environmental issues. Today we are facing multiple crises from global warming to an increase in carbon emissions and loss of biodiversity. It’s high time we take collective responsibility to save mother nature.”

Praising the efforts of Chandigarh Forest Department, he stated under the dynamic vision of Dalai Ji city’s green belt has significantly increased from 46% to 50%.

While interacting with young minds, Debendra Dalai, IFS, CCF Director Environment and Forest department, Chandigarh added, “As per the current landscape, this year's WED theme given by the United Nation ‘Only One Earth’ is the most suitable theme of the year. It’s high time to rethink and dedicate ourselves to protecting Mother Nature, as we have only one planet to live on. We also need to sustainably consume our natural resources for our future generation and betterment of the environment, as it is depleting drastically day by day.”

Praveen Yadav, RFO Environment and Forest Department, Chandigarh, stressed upon the significance of sustainable development. Yadav briefed, “Respecting the rights of the present and future generations, there is a dire need to safeguard the natural resources.  We need to adopt the sustainable development designs for the protection of Mother Nature and to restore the depleting natural resources.”

During the event, ASSOCHAM also announced holding the city's first bird festival to raise awareness about bird diversity among the people.

Concluding the event, ASSOCHAM’s officials handed over plant saplings to Debendra Dalai, IFS, CCF Director Environment and Forest department, Chandigarh and other guests present at the occasion.