In a significant effort to combat the severe environmental degradation of the Yamuna River, the Paonta Sahib forest division of the state Forest Department has launched an initiative titled “Yamuna Hamari Dharohar.” This program aims to foster a sense of responsibility towards river and environmental conservation among school children.
Paonta Sahib Divisional Forest Officer Aishwarya Raj highlighted the critical condition of the Yamuna, a crucial lifeline in northern India and the largest tributary of the Ganga, facing severe threats from pollution, dumping, mining, and unsustainable practices. Recognizing the river’s economic, ecological, and cultural importance, the Forest Department has been actively engaged in restoring wastelands and cleaning dumping sites along the river.
As part of this initiative, the Forest Department has already made significant strides with the establishment of Yamuna Van Vihar in October 2022, a recreational hub for the town, followed by the inauguration of the Yamuna Riverfront Nature Park in February 2023. These parks, located near the Paonta Sahib Gurdwara, have become models of conservation and popular recreational spots. The department plans to extend these parks along the Yamuna banks, creating a riverfront walkway and additional recreational areas.
“Yamuna Hamari Dharohar” includes organizing exposure visits for students from various schools in Paonta Sahib to these parks. Starting this month, groups of 30-40 students from classes VI to IX, accompanied by two teachers, will visit the parks once a month.
Recently, 30 students and two eco-club teachers from Government Senior Secondary School (Boys), Taruwala, participated in the inaugural visit to the Yamuna Riverfront Nature Park and Yamuna Van Vihar. The visit featured interactive sessions where students learned about eco-restoration, the history and challenges of the Yamuna River, local forests and wildlife, Sal tree regeneration, and broader nature conservation efforts. The students’ enthusiasm was palpable, and the session concluded with a pledge to conserve nature and a quiz, where prizes were awarded to the top five students.
The initiative aims to inspire these youngsters to become “Yamuna Warriors,” committed to protecting the river and the environment. Through continued efforts, the Forest Department hopes to instill a lasting interest in nature conservation among the youth of Paonta Sahib, ensuring a greener and more sustainable future for the region.
