Dainik Nation News Portal
DAINIK NATION BUREAU/BAGESHWAR
In a pioneering move to combat forest fires and uplift rural livelihoods, the Uttarakhand government has launched the innovative ‘Pirul Lao – Paise Pao’ (Bring Pine Needles – Get Money) campaign. This initiative aims to curb the recurring menace of forest fires caused by the accumulation of pirul (dry pine needles) in the state’s dense forests, while also generating income opportunities for local communities.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami called the campaign a “historic step towards environmental protection with public participation.” He highlighted that pirul is a primary contributor to forest fires in the hill regions, and its removal would significantly reduce the risk of large-scale fires while simultaneously offering economic benefits to villagers. “By collecting pirul, our forests will be safer, and the local people, especially women and youth, will earn a respectable income,” he added.
Under this initiative, the government has increased the collection rate for pirul from ₹3 per kg to ₹10 per kg, offering a strong financial incentive for participation. The campaign is being implemented with the active collaboration of Yuvak Mangal Dal, Mahila Mangal Dal, self-help groups, and local NGOs. The Forest Department is coordinating efforts to ensure organized collection and fair compensation.
This eco-friendly drive not only addresses the pressing environmental issue of forest fires but also contributes to the economic empowerment of rural communities. Special emphasis is being laid on involving women and youth in the collection and supply chain, turning forest waste into a sustainable livelihood option.
The state government envisions ‘Pirul Lao – Paise Pao’ as a mass movement and calls on citizens from all walks of life to participate. With this campaign, Uttarakhand takes a significant step toward creating a model of community-driven environmental conservation and rural development.
