28-11-2025 : Governor participated as the chief guest in the discussion programme on “Security and Environmental Challenges and Tourism Opportunities in Uttarakhand” in the Raj Bhawan auditorium.

A discussion programme on “Security and Environmental Challenges and Tourism Opportunities in Uttarakhand” was organized at the Raj Bhawan Auditorium, in which Hon’ble Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.) participated as the Chief Guest.

In his address, the Governor said that we must resolve today to serve Uttarakhand as the second line of security, to protect the environment with the values of ancient sages of Devbhoomi, and to strengthen tourism by adopting the ethos of Atithi Devo Bhava. Specially, youth and ex-servicemen must take this pledge. He stated that the nation must always come first — with nation comes society, and with society comes family. Citing how invasions in history attacked our pride and values, he emphasized unity and collective effort in achieving the vision of a Developed India.

The Governor noted that after 2014, the top leadership has taken bold decisions towards a self-reliant, strong and prosperous India. With strong leadership, demographic strength and a hardworking population, there should be no hesitation in achieving the dream of a developed nation. For holistic development of Uttarakhand, he highlighted the need for five major revolutions — Honey Revolution, Aroma Revolution, Millet Revolution, Self-Help Group Revolution, and Homestay Revolution.

Former Lieutenant General A.K. Singh, speaking on Uttarakhand’s security framework, said that the China-Pakistan nexus, Bangladesh’s growing proximity to Pakistan, border smuggling, cyber-attacks, negative social media, and anti-India propaganda are the biggest threats to external and internal security. He called for a trained, educated and vigilant citizenry driven by dedication and commitment to the nation.

Padma Shri Kalyan Singh Rawat, environmentalist and founder of the ‘Maitee’ movement, highlighted that Banj oak is central to Uttarakhand’s ecology. He explained how colonial exploitation led to large-scale felling of Banj for coal production and the introduction of Chir Pine for industrial resin needs. As a result, Banj forests have declined to 14% while Chir has grown to over 27%, causing drying of water sources, loss of soil moisture, wildlife migration towards habitations and rising human-animal conflict. He emphasized that forest fires and resulting black carbon — aggravated by Chir needles — are accelerating glacier melt and forming hazardous glacial lakes.

He recommended controlled removal of Chir in return for plantation of Banj, and planting of Peepal, Banyan, Neem where suitable. He also warned about the invasive growth of Lantana and Parthenium that threaten indigenous species and may worsen landslides. Through the Maitee movement, he urged newly married couples to plant and protect a tree each, contributing significantly to green cover annually.

Commander Deepak Khanduri, speaking on tourism opportunities, presented developing tourism dimensions including rural, eco, lake, wellness, spiritual, adventure, angling and wildlife tourism. Over-concentration of tourists in Nainital, Mussoorie, Haridwar and Rajaji Park is burdening their carrying capacity and challenging crowd and safety management. He emphasized diversification of tourist destinations. With Central support and State efforts, rapid transport expansion through roads, railways and ropeways is underway. New destinations are being identified and developed through various master plans and circuits, positioning Uttarakhand to become the leading tourism State.

The programme began with the inaugural address by Lieutenant General (Retd.) B.K. Chaturvedi, President, All India Ex-Servicemen Council, and concluded with the address of Colonel (Retd.) Ajay Kothiyal.

The event witnessed the participation of Vice-Chairman, Uttarakhand Rural Development and Migration Prevention Commission, Shri S.S. Negi, senior retired defence officers including C.K. Ahluwalia, Pradeep Joshi, Colonel Tyagi, and a large number of ex-servicemen and school students.
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