Imphal, November 07 2009: In a strong critique of the prevailing material civilisation, noted environmentalist Sunderlal Bahuguna has called for a change in the development model which is not sensitive to the nature and ecological issues.

Interacting with a group of mediapersons and civil societies at Manipur Press Club here this afternoon, octogenarian environmentalist and leader of the famous Chipko Movement, who arrived in the State leading a delegation of the 'Save Himalaya, Save Water and Save Lives' campaign to sensitise people on the fragile ecology of Himalayan region and the need to protect it, observed that the world today is under the spell of material civilisation which is spreading fast and causing damage to the natural environment.

Spread of material civilisation that has uprooted our forest resources, which is the main capital of mankind, and substituted with concrete structures should be curbed if we are to revive the dying planet, he said.

Greedy people should stop activities which are not environment friendly all in the name of development and issues concerning environmental degradation and deforestation should be taken care off in any development model, he said, adding that neglect of this aspect would ultimately spell the doom of humankind.

Explaining the concept of 'tree farming' to replenish the dying planet and its natural resources, the Padma Vibhushan awardee said it is high time for scientists to find out suitable seeds that give edible nuts, leaves, etc.

Maintaining that change is not to be expected from the establishment, Bahuguna, who is also a freedom fighter, noted that it is the dedicated, devoted and determined individuals who would be the saviour of our society and the earth.

In response to a question on the proposals of the Government to construct mega dams in Northeast region to meet the power requirement, Bahuguna opined that renewable energy sources like sun, wind, etc should be given more attention and tapped.

Environmentalists RK Ranjan and Salam Rajesh who were also present during the interaction highlighted the issues related to ecological threats in the context of Manipur.

According to Kishore Upadhyay, who is the convenor of the campaign, 'Save Himalaya, Save Water and Save Lives' movement started from Jammu & Kashmir on September 30 and it plans to travel in all the Himalyan States in India and neighbouring countries to hold consultation with Government officials, eminent citizens, media, civil society groups in an attempt to invoke environmental awareness and consolidate opinions on the need to push for specific development policies for the region in view of increasing threats to eco-system, lives and livelihoods.

Beginning from Guwahati on November 1, the campaign is now in North East India and has so far covered Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh.

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