In a first, RSS to officially participate in Harela festival

Dehradun

: In a first, the members of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) will officially participate in the Harela (tree plantation) festival of Uttarakhand. The festival will be held in July. Last week, the body sought permission from the state forest department for the same and Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) Jairaj gave the go ahead.

RBS Rawat, Prant Sanyojak (environment wing head) of RSS, expressed his delight after receiving the government’s approval. Incidentally, Rawat has served as PCCF Uttarakhand between 2008-13.

“We are elated that the government agreed to take our “shram daan” (voluntary contribution) for environment conservation. We have around 2,500 “Pryavaran Prahries” (environment conservationist) in the 13 districts of Uttarakhand. They will not just plant saplings but will also ensure their maintenance,” said Rawat while adding that the RSS will focus more on plantation of medicinal plants — like Tulsi, Giloy — so that people have readily available medicines for coronavirus treatment.

“We will plant 1.25 lakh saplings across the state and these will be of indigenous species and not the exotic ones,” he added.

The RSS will also focus on water conservation and creating awareness about preservation of the environment. The letter issued by PCCF Jairaj — marked to all the District Forest officers (DFOs) — directs the forest department to ensure active participation of RSS members in the Harela festival.