News & Information
Green Hiker reaches Himachal Pradesh
The Green Hiker Campaign took root in Himachal Pradesh on Friday, July 9, 2010, one of the four states where WWF-India is working to conserve high altitude wetlands through the ‘Saving Wetlands Sky High!’ Project. Ms. Manisha Nanda, Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation and Department of Language, Art and Culture, Himachal Pradesh was the Chief Guest for the day.
Also present were Mr. R. K. Sood, Conservator Wildlife, Dr. J.C. Kuniyal, Scientist, G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kullu, Ms. Sarita, DFO, Mr. Vikram, DFO Wildlife, Yogesh Behal, GM, HPTDC, Mr. S.K. Justa, DTDO, Tourism Department., and Mr. Mohinder Seth, President, Tourism Industry Stake Holder Welfare Society of Shimla. Others participants comprised tour operators, media persons and hoteliers.
Following a presentation on the background and objectives of the campaign and its focus in Himachal by Vandana Thaplyal, State Director, WWF-India, the Green Hiker animation film was screened, received very well by the audience. Dr Sanjeev Sharma, WWF-India announced the proposed activities to take place in Himachal Pradesh under the aegis of the campaign. These will be implemented in collaboration with the State Tourism department and include training and capacity building workshops for tour operators and other service providers, public screenings of the animation film and the display of the Green Hiker collateral all across the state of Himachal Pradesh.
On the occasion, Ms. Nanda said, “The Himalayas are natural barriers which not only protect us but also entrap monsoon winds and are source of rivers which are useful for irrigation and electricity generation. It is the collective responsibility of the tourism sector along with NGOs like WWF, to sensitise tourists to behave responsibly, allowing them at the same time to enjoy the natural beauty of the Himalayas.” She also informed that the state of Himachal Pradesh would spend Rupees four crore on the problem of waste management.
Also present were Mr. R. K. Sood, Conservator Wildlife, Dr. J.C. Kuniyal, Scientist, G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kullu, Ms. Sarita, DFO, Mr. Vikram, DFO Wildlife, Yogesh Behal, GM, HPTDC, Mr. S.K. Justa, DTDO, Tourism Department., and Mr. Mohinder Seth, President, Tourism Industry Stake Holder Welfare Society of Shimla. Others participants comprised tour operators, media persons and hoteliers.
Following a presentation on the background and objectives of the campaign and its focus in Himachal by Vandana Thaplyal, State Director, WWF-India, the Green Hiker animation film was screened, received very well by the audience. Dr Sanjeev Sharma, WWF-India announced the proposed activities to take place in Himachal Pradesh under the aegis of the campaign. These will be implemented in collaboration with the State Tourism department and include training and capacity building workshops for tour operators and other service providers, public screenings of the animation film and the display of the Green Hiker collateral all across the state of Himachal Pradesh.
On the occasion, Ms. Nanda said, “The Himalayas are natural barriers which not only protect us but also entrap monsoon winds and are source of rivers which are useful for irrigation and electricity generation. It is the collective responsibility of the tourism sector along with NGOs like WWF, to sensitise tourists to behave responsibly, allowing them at the same time to enjoy the natural beauty of the Himalayas.” She also informed that the state of Himachal Pradesh would spend Rupees four crore on the problem of waste management.
Chief Guest Ms. Manisha Nanda, launching the Green Hiker poster in Shimla, marking the launch of the Green Hiker campaign in the state.
