‘Viruses reach humans due to exploitation of nature’

Randeep Hooda talks about the fake news regarding Uttarakhand Forest Fire and how false news have a ripple effect

With a lot of fake news out there, Randeep Hooda, a nature lover has called out the false news about forest fires in Uttarakhand. In a tweet, he mentioned that “Forest fires are a natural phenomenon that rejuvenates the forest & they happen every year..as per my research, this year #forestfires have been relatively low in #Uttarakhand so far..pls don’t compare them to Australia & the Amazon & spread panic.”

Randeep has also been raising funds, through an organisation called Claw, via crowdfunding, for guides and drivers in the forest reserves

Randeep says, “There are natural and man-made fires to rejuvenate grassland for herbivorous. With a lot of depressing news out there today- from Covid-19 to the situations of the migrants to the cyclone in India, we didn’t this false news to add to the chaos. Untrue things have a ripple effect. Yes, fires can get out of hand, but this year, it isn’t the case. I called up few friends and found out the truth as it was worrisome. I felt strongly about so I spoke up. And people should be careful of what they hear or think is news. Verify first.”

The actor has also been raising funds, through an organisation called Claw, via crowdfunding, for guides and drivers in the Tadoba Forest reserve and now for Dudhwa National Park. “We are working with a Facebook group called CLAW, it is not an NGO, to crowd fund money for guides and drivers as while the forest department is looking after their daily wagers and staff, they are unable to help guides and drivers as their livelihood is dependent on tourists in the area. We all have to do our bit. No one person or government can do everything,” he says.

Hooda loves nature photography and hopes that as a race, we realise how important the environment is. “Which is why I try to conserve through photography. People who are not in touch with nature can feel for our surroundings and then want to protect it. Nature has certain protection shields in place but when we deforest, the deadly viruses reach us. VIruses reach humans due to exploitation of nature. We have to come together and save our jungles and bio diversity,” he says.