PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The Mussoorie-Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) planted over 500 saplings at Gaura Devi Park in Defence Colony area on the occasion of Harela on Wednesday. The MDDA vice chairman Banshidhar Tiwari also announced MDDA’s plan to plant and distribute a total of 60,000 saplings across Dehradun. The authority also distributed between 25,000 to 30,000 saplings to schools, local residents and various social organisations on Wednesday.
The plantation drive was led by Tiwari, along with MDDA secretary Mohan Singh Barnia, joint secretary Gaurav Chatwal and other officials. The initiative included plantation of fruit-bearing and medicinal plants such as jamun, neem, amla, jackfruit and pomegranate at both Gaura Devi Park and the under-construction Adhat Bazaar area. In addition to the saplings already planted, MDDA aims to plant another 25,000 to 30,000 saplings at identified sites, including areas along the Shimla Bypass. The campaign is designed to involve public participation in urban greening efforts.
Addressing the gathering, Tiwari said that Harela represents the cultural identity and environmental responsibility of Uttarakhand. He added that MDDA views the festival not just as a tradition but as an opportunity to promote awareness about natural resource conservation. He expressed confidence that the drive will inspire citizens to adopt greener lifestyles and contribute to sustainable environmental protection.
