Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 28: Two Days National Seminar on “Emerging Trends and Challenges in Biodiversity Conservation” by the Department of Zoology, University of Jammu began today.
The seminar has been organized as an activity supported under UGC SAP programme of the Department. In the inaugural function Prof. Deshbandu Gupta, chief guest in his presidential address, expressed serious concerns regarding dwindling population of some local fauna at an alarming rate. Giving examples of house sparrow he said that even this little bird has started disappearing from our ambiance, due to anthropogenic interventions. He also pointed out about the indiscriminate fishing irrespective of fish size and age resulting in drastic depletion in local fish diversity and population, which needs attention by law enforcing agencies.
Prof. B.N. Singh, the guest of honour in his address, while giving the examples of Drosophila fly, spoke at length about the genetic diversity and polymorphism in this fly which is a key insect for genetic studies all over the world.
Prof. A.R. Yousuf, former Director, CORD and Member, National Green Tribunal delivered a Keynote Address on “Threats to Aquatic Biodiversity of J&K” and highlighted the impact of various anthropogenic activities affecting the biodiversity in the form of excessive run off Industrial waste, deforestation, diversion of national siltation of water bodies and also suggested that in order to maintain biodiversity in aquatic habitat we need to use our aquatic resources very judiciously and strictly in conformity with sustainable development.
Earlier, Prof. Roopma Gandotra, HOD Zoology & Coordinator, UGC-SAP formally appraised about the Seminar proceedings which included Technical Sessions spread over two days.
The invited speakers include Prof. B.D. Joshi from Gurukul Kangri University, Haridwar, Prof. S.C. Joshi from Jaipur, Prof. Neelima Gupta from Bareilly, Prof. A.K. Purohit from Rajasthan, Prof. V.K. Mattu from Shimla and Prof. Anish Dua from Amritsar. Besides, eminent scientists the function was attended by the HOD’s and faculty members of Life Sciences Departments of Jammu University and Central University, research scholars and various students of Science fraternity. In all, four technical sessions were held which comprised of various Invited talks and about 55 Poster presentations from different Universities and Colleges teachers and scholars were made.
The programme ended with a vote of thanks by Prof. Seema Langer, Organising Secretary of the programme.
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