Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday called for a coordinated and proactive approach involving all stakeholders to ensure sustainable development and ecological balance, stressing that community participation and traditional knowledge systems are key to tackling climate change.
Addressing representatives of Van Panchayats, Panchayati Raj Institutions, and Urban Local Bodies at the Dr. Raghunandan Singh Tolia Administrative Academy in Nainital, Birla said grassroots institutions play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation and environmental governance.
He highlighted that Uttarakhand has a rich legacy of environmental stewardship, with its Van Panchayats serving as a successful model of community-based forest management. These institutions, he noted, not only contribute to forest conservation and regeneration but also support livelihoods and the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Describing Van Panchayats as a strong pillar of India’s democratic framework, Birla emphasized that their on-ground experience is invaluable and comparable to national-level institutions. He also interacted with representatives, listening to their concerns and suggestions on issues such as forest fire prevention, institutional strengthening, and financial support.
Stressing the interconnectedness of natural resources, Birla underscored the importance of conserving “Jal, Jangal, and Jameen” (water, forests, and land), calling it a collective responsibility. He said sustainable conservation can only be achieved through active participation of local communities, who possess deep-rooted knowledge and practical expertise.
Referring to the global challenge of climate change, Birla said that environmentally sustainable lifestyles, as advocated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are essential for long-term ecological balance. He added that Uttarakhand’s model of community-driven conservation can serve as an example globally.
Birla also highlighted the growing importance of traditional knowledge systems such as yoga and Ayurveda, noting that Uttarakhand is a key centre for both. He called for a comprehensive action plan to promote medicinal plants in collaboration with local bodies, with a focus on research, value addition, and integration with modern healthcare.
LS Speaker praised the significant role of women in forest conservation efforts in the state and emphasized that their participation strengthens sustainable development initiatives.
Assuring that the concerns raised by local representatives would be taken forward at the national level, Birla reiterated the need for collective action to preserve biodiversity, promote eco-friendly livelihoods, and ensure balanced development.
Member of Parliament Ajay Bhatt also spoke on the occasion, echoing the importance of community-driven environmental conservation.
