Save Thano Forest – A protest to save 10,000+ Trees.
Save Thano Forest – A protest to save 10,000+ Trees.
Thano range is 20 kms away from Dehradun and 30kms away from Rishikesh. Which connects the Shivalik and Himalaya ranges in the valley. Thano forest is also an Elephant corridor.
large number of people, activists, Bike Riding groups gathered outside the Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun to protest the State Government’s approval to chop down over 10,000 tress for expansion of Airport to International Airport in Rajaji National Forest Reserve area.
The core reason for the protest
The entire issue began after the State Government and National Wildlife Board allowed to transfer 243 acres of Forest Reserve Land to Airport Authority of India (AAI). As per the Government’s point of view, they assume the international in and outflow will be increased Post-Pendamic, and Jolly Grant Airport will help to manage Air Traffic of Nearly Metro City. “The EIA study claims that no fauna was found in this region. However, according to the Youth For Climate India, the area is home to 104 bird species. Wild animals like leopards, porcupines, owls, deer, eagle cats, wildcats, antlers, wild boars, hares, snakes, monkeys, and rare species like pangolins and monitor lizards are found within this area.(Source : Indie Journal)“
They also pointed out the China Border to be the reason for airport expansion, as this airport will help Indian Air-force to secure the border and has its own strategic importance.
What Ecology experts and Environmentalists are saying?
Environmentalists and ecology experts believe that this move will affect the wildlife and biodiversity in the area and have questioned this move as Uttarakhand already has airstrips in Gauchar, Pithoragarh and Chinyalisaur which are closer to Line of Actual Control (LAC) and can be easily upgraded for Indian Air-Force. According to them this expansion is only for Commercial Aircraft and China’s Border (LAC) concern is just a smokescreen.
The Environmentalists and Ecology experts are correct
Thano forest comes under Rajai National Park Eco – Sensitive Zone, and deforestation will hit the biodiversity quite hard. according to TOI, Thano is home to a total of 9,745 trees, including species like Khair (3405), Sheesham(2135), Sagon(185), and Gulmohar (120), along with 25 other species of trees. The Thano range also forests the moist Shiwalik Sal trees and moist Bhabar Doon Sal. Environmentalists have stated that Sal forests play a vital role in holding slippery hills of the Shivalik range and are a perfect habitat for wildlife species like leopards, tigers, and elephants. Loss of these trees will lead to soil erosion, risks of landslides, and loss of wildlife.
Ecologists are worried about the damages this deforestation will carry out. It will cause increase in temperature, extinction of rare species, Soil Erosion and decrease in ground Water Level as the entire area would become a Concrete Jungle.
United to Save Thano Forest
Several Hundred of people joined the protest from Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar and surroundings.
In support of the protest many NGO’s Environmental activists, Ecology experts and Bikers Group United and gave support to the protest.
Been There Doon That (BTDT)
A community dedicated to preserving the Doon Valley and help citizens connect with their heritage
R’BEL Royal Biker’s Enfield Legion
A largest Motorcycle club of Dehradun, started an year ago. R’BEL is now getting more recognition through their social contribution to the town. During Lock down R’BEL’s fierce Riders donated several units of blood in entire town. Donated Food, Water, Sanitizers, PPE Kits to the needy.
Making a Difference (MAD)
A group of teenagers and youngsters (at school or at college) working in Dehradun and Jodhpur on environment, poverty and to increase civic consciousness.
HOPE
Hope is a team of individuals from different educational backgrounds having different set of expertise coming together to work for the environmental conservation through both activism and awareness. Our primary goal is to protect our local ecosystems from degradation caused by human activities and to aware people about the responsibilities they have towards them.
Citizens For Green Doon
Citizens For Green Doon (CFGD) is a movement of ordinary Doonites who love Dehradun.We have as members engineers, fashion designers, doctors, teachers, school and college students and homemakers etc, with one common feeling – we care for DehraDun.
After all
Thano forest is precious and in this era of environmental loss every tree counts. Deforestation can be devastating for us and for the entire World. Government must understand that we are ignoring natural climate solutions in favour of money making solutions. An ecologist said during the protest “We Don’t Need Airport we Need Air.
