Shimla, Jun 5: Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta on Friday stressed the need for environmental conservation and a drug-free society, saying that development should never come at the cost of environmental sustainability.
He flagged off a mini marathon from the historic Ridge Ground in Shimla on the occasion of World Environment Day. The event was jointly organised by the Himachal Pradesh Police, Department of Environment, Science, Technology and Climate Change and the Census Directorate, Himachal Pradesh, a statement issued here said.
The governor said people of Himachal Pradesh are fortunate to live in a state with clean air and a healthy environment, which play a vital role in maintaining good health.
The marathon organised on the theme ‘Clean Environment and Drug-Free Life’, saw large participation from people across Himachal Pradesh and neighbouring states, including members of Central Armed Police Forces, students, senior citizens and specially-abled participants.
The event aimed to raise awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse and promote environmental protection, good health and social responsibility.
The marathon also helped spread awareness about the Self-Enumeration Campaign conducted by the Census Department.
Gupta expressed concern over rising drug abuse and appreciated the efforts of the Himachal Pradesh Police for spreading awareness through innovative programmes. He said protecting youth from drugs is a shared responsibility of society.
He said Himachal Pradesh can become a drug-free state if all sections of society work together.
The Governor also emphasised that cleanliness should begin at home and become a daily habit for building a healthier society.
Earlier, he administered a pledge to participants to commit to cleanliness, environmental protection and a drug-free lifestyle, and also signed the ‘Harit Himachal and Chitta-Mukt Himachal’ campaign wall.
