Dehradun
The entire world is facing the repercussions of climate change, but in Uttarakhand, the impact of climate change is escalating at double the speed. The state is also witnessing an increasing frequency of natural disasters. With the exception of tsunamis, there is no major disaster in the world that does not affect Uttarakhand. This was stated by experts during the launch of the second edition of the book ‘Making Molehills of Mountains: Tales of Uttarakhand’s Climate Crises and an Uncertain Development Model’ published by SDC Foundation.
The book was launched at the Doon Library and Research Centre, with former Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand, Shri N.S. Napalchyal, as the chief guest. In his address, he remarked that Uttarakhand is a state prone to disasters. With the exception of tsunamis, the state faces every possible disaster. He stressed the need to integrate traditional knowledge with modern techniques to minimize the impact of disasters and devise strategies for disaster management. He pointed out that Uttarakhand is not only grappling with natural calamities but also man-made disasters. He emphasized that the unscientific cutting and blasting of mountains for construction purposes has made the hills vulnerable.
Supreme Court lawyer Rajiv Dutta highlighted that Uttarakhand is not only environmentally sensitive but also a state where several environmentally damaging projects are being implemented. He has filed several public interest litigations (PILs) in the NGT and Supreme Court regarding these irregularities.
Aditya Pundir, Director of the Climate Reality Project for South Asia, stated that the impact of climate change in Uttarakhand’s Himalayan region is twice as severe as in the rest of the world. He further noted that with rising altitudes, this impact is only growing stronger. He also pointed out that forest fires and tree cutting in the name of development are the biggest threats, leading to a decrease in water sources. To prevent migration, he called for improving the quality of life, promoting solar energy, and ensuring better internet connectivity.
The second edition of the book was dedicated by SDC Foundation to the late environmentalist and Gandhian, Smt. Vimla Bahuguna. Her son, social activist Rajeev Nayan Bahuguna, in his address, stated that environmental protection is even more crucial today than employment itself. He emphasized that without a healthy planet, all other activities would become irrelevant. He also remarked that along with construction, there are forces actively promoting destruction around the world.
Other authors of the book shared their contributions, including Dr. Mayank Badola, Chief Medical Officer at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, along with Gautam Kumar, Sara Garg, Mahika Fartyal, and Dr. Arunima Naithani.
The event began with a welcome speech by Chandrashekhar Tiwari, Program Associate at the Doon Library.
Editors Anoop Nautiyal and Prerna Raturi from SDC Foundation shared insights on various aspects of the book. Publisher Abhimanyu Gehlot expressed his gratitude. The event also showcased success stories of three women from Uttarakhand who have made significant contributions to the fields of environment and self-employment. The program was hosted by Dinesh Semwal from SDC Foundation.
Key attendees included Bihar Legislative Council Member Devesh Kumar, Former Chief of Forests in Uttarakhand Jai Raj, Dr. SP Sati, Ratna Manucha, Jagmohan Mehdiratta, Major General (Retd.) Sanjay Sharma, Madhu Pathak, Dr. Pathak, Dr. Piyoosh Rautela, Rahul Jugran, Alka Kukreti, Ravi Juyal, Kavita Chaturvedi, Durgesh Raturi, Rajmohan, Ramesh Chauhan, Ramana, Sandeep Bijlwan, Raghvendra, Jai Singh Rawat, Trilochan Bhatt, Harry Sethi, Vinod Nautiyal, Tania Saili Bakshi, Kamlesh Gurunani, Dr. Aparna Kathuria, and many others, including young researchers.
