Author: PTI
Publication: DNA (Daily News & Analysis)
Date: April 2, 2011
URL: http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_india-should-take-up-issue-of-tibet-plateau-degradation-dalai-lama_1527572
Worried over the impact of global warming on the Tibetan Himalayan region,
the Dalai Lama today said India which stands to be directly affected by the
phenomenon should take up the issue more forcefully.
Noting that all major Indian rivers originate
from the Himalayan glacier region, the Tibetan spiritual leader said the country
has reason to be more vocal in putting forth concerns on the ecological degradation
of the Tibetan plateau.
"I am convinced with every major disaster,
that things are turning bad due to global warming. The Tibetan plateau region
is ecologically very sensitive and major rivers in north India flow from the
Himalayan glaciers in the region.
"You, therefore, have reason to show
concerns about the ecology of that region," he said, pointing out that
millions of Indians were using the water flowing from the Himalayan glacier.
"This has nothing to do with politics,
this is in everybody's interest, including of the Chinese," he said.
The Dalai Lama was speaking at an event to
mark the birth centenary of former president R Venkataraman here.
He pointed out that unlike previous administrations
in China that were not much concerned about the condition of the plateau region,
authorities in recent years have become more sensitive to the ecological conditions
of the region.
"Fortunately, the authorities are now
making efforts to prevent deforestation in the region," he said.
