The Central University of Odisha (CUO), Koraput observed the World Environment Day through virtual mode on June 5 with the theme 'Ecosystem Restoration’, which assumes greater significance in the times of Covid-19 pandemic.
On the occasion, the CUO organised a national level webinar on the theme 'Ecosystem Restoration’ coordinated by the Department of Biodiversity and Conservation of Natural Resources of the university.
Regional Chief Conservator of Forest (RCCF), Koraput Circle Sudipta Dash and internationally acclaimed two eminent environmental scientists Dr CS Jha, Chief General Manger and former Director, Forest and Ecology Division, Regional Remote Sensing Centre's, NRSC, Hyderabad and Prof K Kathiresan, former Director and Dean, Centre for Advanced, Studies in Marine Biology, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu delivered thought provoking lectures. Vice-Chancellor of the university Prof I Ramabrahmam conveyed his best wishes for successful programme. Prof Sharat Kumar Palita, Dean, School of Biodiversity and Conservation of Natural Resources presided. One minute silence was observed in honour of noted environmentalists of India Dr Sundarlal Bahuguna and Prof Amalesh Choudhury who passed away recently.
Dash highlighted different activities of Government of Odisha such as forest landscape restoration, social forestry drive, plantation at river and water reservoir sides, and hill area etc. which are steps towards restoration of ecosystem. He informed different initiatives such as the Clean India Mission of Government of India, Mahanadi Mission and Ama Jungle Yojana of Government of Odisha aimed at care for nature. He showed concern about the destruction of environment in the shake of development and said “not to damage the ecosystem but to restore it.”
Dr Jha opined that one has to take care of biodiversity to restore the ecosystem. Citing the Sustainable Development Goal of United Nations, he said, “We have to leave our consumerist life style and adopt conservation-oriented lifestyle, by which we can control the damage of our ecosystem. Referring to the Millennium Ecosystem Goals, he highlighted the role of GIS as assessment system of natural resources. Prof Kathiresan highlighted his vast experience working on various environmental and ecosystem issues including creation of mangrove in Tamil Nadu coast which could withstand 2004 tsunami where hundreds of family could survive and sustain their livelihood.