Himalaya Day: Get to know Which date in September is celebrated as Himalaya Diwas?
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Himalaya Day: Know History, Significance and Importance
The aim of observing Himalaya Day is to preserve the Himalayan ecosystem and region. The Himalayas plays a vital role in saving and sustaining nature and protecting the country from adverse weather conditions. Besides being rich in floral and faunal biodiversity, the Himalayan range is also responsible for bringing rain to the country.
History of Himalaya Day
9th September was officially declared as Himalaya Day by the then chief minister of Uttarakhand, Harish Rawat, in 2014. The idea was conceptualized by Anil Joshi of the Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organization and other Indian environmentalists. The initiative aimed to observe 9th September as Himalaya Diwas in all the Himalayan states of India—from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh. The reason is that these states have a common Himalayan social ecology.
Importance of Himalaya Day
Himalaya Day is not just an annual event; it is an important occasion to reflect on the current status of this geographically sensitive region of the country. Himalayan hill towns face challenges such as poor building planning and design, poor infrastructure, inadequate water supply, etc. The result is serious ecological issues, some of which are irreversible.
By earmarking a day dedicated to the vulnerable Himalayan region, the need for eco-sensitive hill town plans and designs can be discussed with various stakeholders. Himalaya Day is also an excellent occasion to raise awareness amongst the general public and bring community involvement in conservation activities.
Q. Who launched the Himalaya Day initiative?
The Himalaya Day is an initiative that was started by a group of Indian environmentalists and activists, including Sunderlal Bahuguna, Anil Joshi, and Radha Behan, to bring attention to sustainable development and ecological stability of the Himalayas.
Q. Which date in September is celebrated as Himalaya Diwas?
Himalaya Day is celebrated every year on 9th September in Uttarakhand.