Every year on 5th of June, the world celebrates one of the biggest annual events organised by the United Nations (UN) to generate awareness about the significance of nature. The day being mentioned here is the World Environment Day, which is aimed at creating awareness among people for nature and its resources. Its prime concern is to remind people about the assets we obtain from nature. It must not be ignored that the nature is providing us with its positives on a regular basis. Therefore, its our responsibility to acknowledge their sustainability on every day and not constrict it to any single day.
History and Theme
It was for the first time in 1974, that a platform was introduced for creating awareness on environmental issues such as marine pollution, human overpopulation, global warming, sustainable consumption and wildlife crime. World Environment Day is a global platform aimed for public outreach, with annual participation from over 143 countries. Each year, the program has provided a theme and forum for businesses, non government organizations, communities, governments and celebrities to advocate environmental causes. The year 2021, celebrates World Environmental Day with the theme ‘Reimagine. Recreate. Restore.’ as this year marks the beginning of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
India and its contribution:
India has hosted the World Environment Day twice in the years 2011 and 2018 with the themes ‘Forests: Nature at your Service’ and ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’ respectively. On this world environment day, lets celebrate some of our heroes who in every possible way have contributed to the wellness of ecosystem.
1. Sunderlal Bahuguna: “The Chipko Movement leader”
When it comes to the mentioning of Indian contributors in the Environment conservation, the list must always begin with the very famous Guard of Himalayas: Sunderlal Bahuguna. This 93 years old hero and his wife were the people behind the famous Chipko movement. For years, he had been fighting for the preservation of forests in the Himalayas. Being the first Indian environmentalist, his notable contribution to the Chipko movement, and creation of the Chipko’s slogan “Ecology is permanent economy” is still remembered. He helped bring the movement to prominence through a 5,000-kilometer trans-Himalaya march undertaken from 1981 to 1983, travelling from village to village, gathering support for the movement.
In 1974, Chipko movement was started as an effort to save areas of trees and forests from cutting by forest contractors in Uttar Pradesh. Chipko movement later inspired the Appiko Movement in Karnataka. It was his effort which has led us to survive a sustainable environment.
2. Jadav Payeng: “Forest Man of India”
Jadav Molai Payeng is yet an another environmental activist resident from Majuli. His contributions of planting trees on a sandbar of the river Brahmaputra have spanned over several decades, turning it into a forest reserve. The forest, named Molai forest after him, is located near Kokilamukh of Jorhat, Assam, India. The forest now houses Bengal tigers, Indian rhinoceros, and over 100 deer and rabbits. It is also home to monkeys and several varieties of birds, including a large number of vultures. It was for his efforts that in 2013, when poachers tried to kill the rhinos residing in the forest, failed in their attempt due to Molai who alerted department officials. Officials promptly seized various articles used by the poachers to trap the animals. Later in 2015, Jadav was honoured with Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in India.
3. Saalumarada Thimmakka:
Saalumarada Thimmakka, a well known Indian environmentalist has recently been conferred with Padma Shri in 2019 for her work in planting over 385 banyan trees along a four-kilometre stretch of highway between Hulikal and Kudur. With the active support of her husband, she has also planted nearly 8000 other trees. The 385 banyan trees planted and nurtured by her were exposed to the threat of being chopped down for the widening of Bagepalli-Halaguru road in 2019. Thimmakka requested the Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy and Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara to reconsider the project. As a result of her hardwork and efforts, the government decided to look for alternatives to save the 70 years old trees.
Thimakka’s story is of grit and determination. As per the news reported, she in her 40s wanted to commit suicide for the reason of not being able to conceive. But, with the support of her husband, she found solace in planting trees. Initiating from 10 plants in the first year, they kept planting more saplings in the subsequent years. Sometimes they even had to fetch water from over four kilometers for their plants.
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