Bikers’ Awareness Campaign That Highlighted Urgent Need to Protect Himalayan Biodiversity

By: Bhushan Parimoo

In July 2012, the Environment Awareness Forum (EAF), under its Save Himalaya, Save Subcontinent campaign, joined forces with Udupi Royal Enfield Travellers to undertake an extensive awareness ride across Jammu and Kashmir. The campaign aimed to raise awareness about the urgent need to protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem, one of the world’s critical biodiversity hotspots.

Six Royal Enfield motorcycles were transported by rail from Udupi to Jammu, where the journey began. Over 11 days, the riders covered approximately 1,500 kilometers, traversing key ecological and cultural landmarks, including Jammu, Akhnoor, Kalidhar, Baripattan, Nowshera, Chengas, Rajouri, Dera Gali, Peer Gali, Aharbal, Yousmarg, Hokarsar, Gulmarg, Srinagar, Dachigam, Khrew, Anantnag, Pahalgam, Mattan’s Sun Temple, Achabal, Verinag, Jawahar Tunnel, Kokernag, Doru Shahabad, Lissar, Daksum, Sinthan, Kishtwar, and Doda.

Despite their efforts to emphasize the importance of preserving the Himalayas’ rich biodiversity—one of India’s two major ecological hotspots alongside the Western Ghats—the campaign faced resistance from local administrations. Activists alleged that officials ignored their concerns and continued to rely on misleading environmental data to delay meaningful action.

The EAF remains committed to advocating for the conservation of the Himalayan ecosystem, stressing that negligence today will lead to environmental catastrophe tomorrow.

The organization urges authorities to act before it is too late!

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