Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 4: The Department of Environmental Sciences and Rural Technology Action Group- Chapter (RuTAG), University of Jammu, Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organization (HESCO) and Himalayan Unity Movement (HUM) today organized one day seminar on the theme ‘My Himalaya-Issues and Possible Solutions’ to celebrate the Himalayan Day.
Speaking on the occasion Prof. R. D. Sharma, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, elaborated on the importance of Himalaya for the people of eight countries, namely Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan which are heavily dependent for their livelihood on their immediate natural resources and production from primary sectors such as agriculture, forestry, livestock, etc. However, he showed lot of concern towards reduced dense forest cover, accelerated soil erosion and increased silting of water bodies, drying up of springs, replacement and disappearance of species and increased ratio of energy expended in fodder, fuel collection, and agricultural activity that increase drudgery of the womenfolk, etc. He stressed on the need for a comprehensive policy to address all the issues of environment, social issues and scientific issues of the Himalayas.
Earlier, Prof. Manoj K. Dhar, Coordinator, RuTAG, gave the background of the Seminar. On this occasion, Prof. Anil Raina, HOD Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu, presented a brief report of the seminar. R. K. Khajuria, represented HESCO and HUM (an initiative of HESCO) and gave the details about various activities of these organizations in areas related to Himalaya. Other dignitaries present in the function includes Prof. S.P.S Dutta, Prof R.K. Rampal, Prof N.K.Tripathi, Prof J.S.Tara, Prof A.S.Jasrotia, Dr. Anuradha Sharma, Dr. Sanjay Sharma, Rakesh Atri, and Dr. Sarbjeet Kour. A formal vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Deepika Slathia, and the proceedings of the function were conducted by Kirti Pandita.
In the morning session, 11 presentations by Neha Antal, Shiwali Gupta, Sumeet Khullar, Waquar Ahmed, Hardev Singh, Preety Choudhary Randhawa, Ravinder Sharma, Dr. Harish Chander, Dr. Geeta , Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Dr. Shashi Prabha, were made on the issues related to Himalaya. The session was chaired by Prof. Yash Pal Sharma, HOD, Botany and Dr. Piyush Malaviya, Associate Professor, Department of Environment Sciences acted as the rapporteur. This session generated lot of debate where more than 100 participants from various Departments of the University showed lot of concern about the degradation of the Himalayan ecosystem, impact of climate change, melting of glaciers, change in the livelihood pattern, etc.
Follow our WhatsApp channel