Dr Karan Singh meets young environmental crusaders

Jammu, Aug 24: Nonagenarian statesman and environmentalist Dr. Karan Singh met with 13-year-old Savi Shekhawat and her 7-year-old sister Bhavya, who recently cycled nearly 300 kilometres from Jaipur to Delhi to highlight the issue of large-scale tree felling at Dol ka Badh, a 100-acre urban forest in the Rajasthan capital, said a press release.

The two sisters, driven by their concern for the environment, undertook the arduous 12-day journey to draw the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to their appeal. Unfortunately, they could not meet the Prime Minister.

Notably, the young environmental crusaders carried out the 12-day journey to preserve the forest by demanding that it be declared a biodiversity park and sought the constitution of an independent monitoring committee to oversee its protection. “We are not against development, but it should never come at the cost of nature,” the girls said.

Dr. Karan Singh praised the extraordinary courage and commitment of the young girls, describing them as “the torchbearers of a new India that understands the importance of balancing progress with preservation.” He said their effort symbolises the voice of the younger generation, which is deeply conscious of the ecological challenges facing the nation.

“The sheer determination of these young girls should serve as an eye-opener for all of us,” Dr. Karan Singh remarked. “While development is necessary, it is equally vital to ensure that our natural heritage and biodiversity are safeguarded for future generations. Their journey is a clarion call for sustainable development,” he said.

Dr. Karan Singh assured them of his full support in their noble mission and expressed confidence that their message will resonate widely across the country.