Dehradun, June 8 -- Uttarakhand, revered as Devbhoomi, is not merely a geographical region; it is an ecological treasure that sustains millions of lives across northern India. Its forests, rivers, glaciers, mountains, and biodiversity form the lifeline of the Himalayan ecosystem. Yet, today, this fragile state stands at a critical crossroads where the pursuit of development is increasingly coming into conflict with environmental preservation.

The forests of Uttarakhand are the state's greatest natural wealth. They regulate climate, recharge groundwater, prevent soil erosion, reduce the risk of landslides, absorb carbon dioxide, and provide habitat to countless species of wildlife. Every mature tree acts as a natural air purifier and water ...