COVER STORY
Rapid tourism and mindless infrastructure building has ravaged its landscape rendering this dev bhoomi into a vulnerable state of frequent cloud bursts causing landslides, a hotspot of erratic climate events.
Outlook Magazine - Outlook Reckitt Magazine (Oct 2024) – Dettol’s Banega Swasth India Initiative
The October 10, 2024 issue of Outlook Magazine delivers an incisive and timely exploration of the urgent environmental and developmental challenges facing Uttarakhand, one of India’s most ecologically sensitive and culturally significant states. This special issue, produced in partnership with Dettol’s Banega Swasth India initiative, centers on the theme of “Creating a Healthier Planet,” with a particular focus on the fragile river ecosystems of Uttarakhand and the complex interplay between rapid tourism, infrastructure growth, and climate change impacts. The cover story features an exclusive interview with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who underscores the environmental, economic, and cultural importance of the state’s rivers. The issue highlights how these waterways are not merely channels of water but vibrant ecosystems teeming with rare and endangered flora and fauna, including medicinal and aromatic plants unique to the region. Through expert commentary and ground reports, Outlook examines the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the necessity for all stakeholders-government, civil society, and local communities-to collaborate for sustainable development and disaster resilience. A recurring theme in this edition is the delicate balance required between economic progress and environmental conservation. The magazine presents insights from environmentalists, policymakers, and spiritual leaders such as Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, who advocate for a shift from a “greed culture” to a “green culture.” The issue also addresses the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in Uttarakhand, calling for long-term strategic planning and decisive action to safeguard both people and nature. Other key stories delve into the vital role of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in India’s ecological and spiritual life, the importance of wetlands and springs in sustaining biodiversity and local livelihoods, and the integration of climate-friendly education for children. The magazine also spotlights innovative conservation efforts, such as the Dettol Climate Resilient School Project and collaborative initiatives by Reckitt and WWF-India to restore river health. With in-depth reporting, expert analysis, and a strong call for collective action, the October 2024 Outlook Magazine issue stands as an essential resource for anyone concerned with India’s environmental future and the sustainable development of its Himalayan heartland.
The rivers of Uttarakhand are very significant not only environmentally but also economically and culturally, says Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami
Challenges posed by the interconnectedness of ecosystems call for all stakeholders to rally together for common good
The success of conservation efforts depends on striking a win-win deal between economic development and environmental protection
Uttarakhand’s rivers are not only waterways, but also vibrant ecosystems with diverse aquatic floral and faunal biodiversity
Uttarakhand is home to several rare and endangered species of herbal, medicinal and aromatic plants due to its unique biodiversity
Interview with Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity
Addressing the challenges of climate change and disaster management in Uttarakhand calls for a collective effort by key stakeholders to build a sustainable and resilient future for all
While highlighting the growing incidence of extreme weather events in Uttarakhand, a report calls for long-term planning, strategic thinking and decisive action to protect the people and the ecosystem
Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati point out that the time has come to shift from greed culture to green culture
The rivers of Uttarakhand are very significant not only environmentally but also economically and culturally, says Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami
Challenges posed by the interconnectedness of ecosystems call for all stakeholders to rally together for common good
The success of conservation efforts depends on striking a win-win deal between economic development and environmental protection
Uttarakhand’s rivers are not only waterways, but also vibrant ecosystems with diverse aquatic floral and faunal biodiversity
Uttarakhand is home to several rare and endangered species of herbal, medicinal and aromatic plants due to its unique biodiversity
Interview with Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity
Addressing the challenges of climate change and disaster management in Uttarakhand calls for a collective effort by key stakeholders to build a sustainable and resilient future for all
While highlighting the growing incidence of extreme weather events in Uttarakhand, a report calls for long-term planning, strategic thinking and decisive action to protect the people and the ecosystem
Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati point out that the time has come to shift from greed culture to green culture
OTHER STORIES
Since the younger generations will suffer more as the intensity of climate change events increases and biodiversity decreases, it is an imperative that children imbibe climate-friendly lifestyles from an early age
The Ganga and the Yamuna are vital to India’s spiritual, cultural, and ecological fabric and protecting and rejuvenating these rivers requires combining conservation efforts, sustainable practices and community engagement
It is an imperative to tackle the looming threats posed by climate change to protect the ecological balance achieved so far under the Namami Gange Mission
The Dettol Climate Resilient School Project guides children, as tomorrow’s leaders, to lead the action to protect and nurture Uttarakhand’s biodiversity and ensure a healthier planet for the future
Reckitt and WWF-India work together to help restore and preserve the Ramganga and sections of the Ganga
Wetlands in major river basins are vital for regional water security, support local livelihoods and livestock grazing and serve as biodiversity hotspots with rare endemic species of birds, medicinal plants, and mammals
Climate change is compounding existing health disparities, making it critical to address both climate change and public health together
Environmentalist Dr Anil Prakash Joshi says that If ecology is in good health, it will empower billions of people
It is an imperative to save springs as these not only provide drinking water and nurture biodiversity, but are also linked to the spiritual and cultural beliefs of people
The Kumbh Mela is more than a spiritual event; it is a sophisticated economic organism that demonstrates how large-scale gatherings can be efficiently managed and offers valuable lessons for urban management
Hydropower helps in reducing planet warming emissions from fossil fuels, but there is need to forecast better the impact of climate change on glaciers to use it safely
Restoring the bond between our youth and rivers is crucial for the future of our environment and our culture
This conferment of rights of a juristic person on a river calls for study by jurists and constitutional experts, global boundary specialists and UN bodies
From the exhilarating rapids of white-water rafting to the tranquil pleasure of canoeing, the state’s water sports scene is a vibrant tapestry of adventure and natural splendour.
Uttarakhand’s water-related fairs celebrate the deep connection between rivers and local culture and honour rivers as life-giving resources
Though the Namami Gange programme, launched in 2014 by the Indian government to clean and restore the Ganga, is a home-grown initiative, foreign nations have eagerly lent their expertise and resources.
