
Uttarakhand plants record 8.13 Lakh saplings as part of 'Harela' festival
"This festival demonstrates that Uttarakhand is not merely a Himalayan state, but a symbol of a conscious and active society dedicated to protecting its water, forests, and land," Chief Minister Dhami stated, underscoring the state's commitment to ecological balance.
"What was once a simple cultural celebration has now become a powerful, people-driven campaign for ecological conservation," added CM Dhami.
Dhami further elaborated on the state's guiding philosophy, adding, "The state government is moving forward by balancing development and faith, and environmental protection is an integral part of our primary policy."
Noting the evolving significance of the festival, the Chief Minister declared, "Harela is no longer merely a cultural festival; it has become a celebration of the collective consciousness of the people of Uttarakhand."
Chief Minister Dhami himself inaugurated the drive in Dehradun, emphasising his vision for it to be a "people's green movement" rather than solely a government undertaking.
Thousands of planting events were subsequently organised across all 13 districts, spanning villages, towns, cities, and schools.
"The seeds being sown today are symbols of greenery, hope, faith, and sustainable development. In the coming years, these very seeds will form the foundation for a green, prosperous, and environmentally sensitive Uttarakhand," asserted CM Dhami.

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India.com
16 hours ago
- India.com
CM Yogi Announces Rs 2 Lakh Aid For UP Victims Of Haridwar Stampede
At least six people were killed and several others injured in the incident that occurred during a heavy rush of devotees. Four of the people killed in the incident are from Uttar Pradesh, according to officials. In a post on X, CM Yogi said, "The news of the tragic accident on the Shri Mansa Devi Temple road in Haridwar, resulting in the demise of devotees, is extremely painful and heart-wrenching. My condolences are with the grief-stricken families. " He said officials have been directed to work with the Uttarakhand government to ensure the mortal remains are brought back to the victims' home districts. "Instructions have been given to officials to coordinate with the Uttarakhand government to ensure that the mortal remains of the citizens of UP who lost their lives in the accident are transported to their home districts and handed over to their families. Each family of the deceased from Uttar Pradesh in this accident will be provided financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh by UP Govt," the post read. Uttarakhand Chief Minister has ordered a magisterial inquiry and announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured in the stampede. Addressing reporters, CM Dhami said, "The injured are being treated. Some have been referred to AIIMS Rishikesh. Our priority is that they get good treatment and recover soon. A toll-free number has also been issued. Magisterial inquiry has been ordered and ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured, also announced." He said, "Six people have died in this accident..." President Droupadi Murmu also expressed her condolences at the loss of lives in the stampede. In a post on X, President Murmu wrote, "The news of the death of many devotees in the stampede accident on the way to the Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar is deeply painful." "I express my heartfelt condolences to all the grieving families. I pray that all the injured devotees recover quickly," the post read.


Hans India
a day ago
- Hans India
PM Modi expresses grief over loss of lives in Mansa Devi stampede
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed grief over the loss of lives in the Mansa Devi stampede in Uttarakhand's Haridwar that claimed six lives. PM Modi extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished for a speedy recovery of the injured. He said that the local administration is assisting those affected, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a post on the social media platform X. "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede on the route to Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected: PM @narendramodi," the post read. Expressing grief over the incident, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami earlier in the day said that extremely distressing news was received about the stampede. He said rescue and relief operations were underway, and he was closely monitoring the situation. "Extremely distressing news has been received about a stampede breaking out at the Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar. Uttarakhand SDRF, local police, and other rescue teams have reached the spot and are engaged in relief and rescue operations, CM Dhami said in his post on X. "The death of six people in the heart-wrenching stampede at the Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar is deeply saddening. I pray to God that the souls of the departed find a place at His divine feet and that the grieving families are granted the strength to bear this immense sorrow," the CM further said. CM Dhami announced Rs 2 lakh ex gratia to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured. He also ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident. Authorities confirmed that relief work is still underway, and the situation is being closely monitored. Further details regarding the Haridwar incident are still awaited as authorities continue to assess the situation. Every year, Haridwar sees a massive influx of pilgrims during the month of Shravan, especially at the revered Har Ki Pauri and Mansa Devi Temple.


Indian Express
a day ago
- Indian Express
Inside Track: Shock Treatment
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Worst of all, he was indiscreet in meeting Opposition members, including AAP leaders, to voice his grievances. Matters came to a head this week when Dhankhar, despite reportedly being asked by ministers Kiren Rijiju and J P Nadda to not undercut the Lok Sabha motion to remove Justice Yashwant Varma, announced that he had received a motion on the same day in the Rajya Sabha. Top BJP leaders felt Dhankhar had crossed a red line and that, if he was left untouched, it would encourage other dissidents. Rajnath Singh's office was the scene of the action with NDA MPs and ministers called to sign a blank sheet of paper, amid confusion about what the signature drive was meant for. A shell-shocked Dhankar could only retaliate with the surprise timing of his resignation — thus making the issue embarrassingly public. Some believe that the lesson the BJP should learn from this is to be wary in the future of appointing in a key position anyone who is not from among its own disciplined cadre. 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