Agencies
New Delhi, July 31: In a compelling speech delivered in the Rajya Sabha, Senior BJP leader and Member of Parliament, Er. Gulam Ali Khatana, lauded the significant environmental conservation measures undertaken under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2014. Highlighting the progressive steps taken to mitigate climate change and enhance the nation’s green cover, Khatana underscored the Prime Minister’s visionary approach to environmental sustainability.
Khatana opened his speech by emphasizing the Prime Minister’s commitment to preventing the melting of glaciers and increasing green cover across the country. “The Prime Minister has done a commendable job by implementing programs aimed at preventing the melting of glaciers and enhancing green cover. It is due to his vision that we now have more greenery around us, and this green cover is expanding every year,” he remarked.
Khatana proposed a practical solution for managing forest litter, such as dry leaves and grass, by allowing grazing by cows, goats, and sheep. “The straw in forests, be it dry leaves or grass, can be converted into natural manure through grazing by cattle. Forest dwellers can play a significant role in this. If the dried grass and leaves are not disposed of, they pose a risk of forest fires, which cause substantial damage to forest assets annually,” he explained.
He further advocated for allowing forest dwellers to graze their cattle in forests, suggesting that this practice could prevent wildfires and aid in seed transportation. “Forest dwellers should be allowed to graze their cattle in the forests. This would protect the forests from wildfires and the cattle would serve as natural agents for seed transportation,” Khatana noted, referencing a past initiative in the Rajasthan deserts where helicopters were used for seeding.
Khatana highlighted the financial implications of current wildfire management and seed transportation methods. “Every year, the government spends crores of rupees to combat wildfires and transport seeds in forests. However, we have natural machines—animals—that can perform both tasks efficiently, saving significant funds annually,” he added.
Addressing the challenges faced by forest dwellers, Khatana called for financial support and insurance for their livestock. “Unfortunately, in the absence of financial support from the government, forest dwellers suffer when they lose their livestock during natural calamities. Animals from plains are transported to Himalayan areas to meet their needs, but they often do not survive due to sudden climate changes,” he pointed out.
Khatana urged the government to encourage forest dwellers by providing insurance and other financial assistance for their animals.
He also suggested a more natural approach for seasonal migrations of tribes in Himalayan states. “In Himalayan states, tribes migrate to higher altitudes in summer and return to plains in winter. Unfortunately, policies are often made by those sitting in air-conditioned offices, leading to impractical transportation methods for livestock. Sudden temperature changes during transportation can be fatal for many animals. Allowing these tribes to move their livestock by foot during seasonal migrations would contribute significantly to forest preservation and save funds,” he proposed, recommending that departments like PMGSY, PWD, and RDD provide necessary pathways for these migrations.
In addition to environmental issues, Khatana demanded the inclusion of the Gojri language in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution. He noted that although there are currently 22 languages in the schedule, Gojri, despite being spoken by over 3% of the population in northeastern states, has not been included. “There is resentment among the Gujjar communities residing in Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, UP, MP, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and other areas due to the exclusion of Gojri from the 8th Schedule,” he stated.
Khatana’s speech in the Rajya Sabha highlighted not only the environmental strides made under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership but also the need for practical, community-based approaches to forest conservation and support for forest dwellers. His call for the inclusion of the Gojri language reflects a broader push for cultural recognition and preservation within the Indian legislative framework. |
