The recommendations of institutes working on Himalayan ecology and the environment should be taken into consideration in the planning and execution of developmental works. The State principal chief conservator of forests RBS Rawat said this while chairing a discussion on conservation of Himalayan ecosystem and its sustainable development organised by the Forest Research Institute to commemorate Himalaya Day on Monday.
The PCCF stressed on the need for inter-sectorial planning and coordination for achieving sustainable and ecofriendly development and conservation of the Himalayan ecosystem.
Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) assistant director general (Climate Change) TP Singh said that melting of glaciers due to global warming can at times be a cause of calamity. The aspect of climate change is a subject of discussion and should be kept in mind during the formulation of any policy, he said while stressing that alternative energy sources should be adopted to minimise the pressure on forests especially for fuel from forests. Eco-tourism can enhance mountain economy, he opined.
Additional PCCF STS lepcha stated that agri –horticulture and agroforestry systems may be beneficial for the farmers of Uttarakhand. He said there is a need for awareness and skill development for adoption of trees on farmlands in Himalayan region of the State. Some alternative strategies should be made to fulfill the daily needs of locals dependant on forests, he added.
ICFRE deputy director general (Research) GS Goraya said that issues in conservation of Himalayan ecosystem should be prioritised. He said that pilgrimage and tourism may be beneficial in Himalayan region but the carrying capacity has to be established and maintained.
FRI scientist Dr Subhash Nautiyal laid emphasised on conservation of flora and fauna in the Himalayan region to establish ecological balance. later during a question hour, the panelists answered questions on different aspects of Himalayan ecosystem and climate change.
Earlier, the director in-charge Jayshree Ardey Chauhan apprised the gathering about importance of Himalayas for livelihood.
The winners of a painting competition at Kendriya Vidyalaya FRI and debate competition for FRI University students were also awarded on the occasion.
Scientists present research work to mark Himalaya Day
Scientists made presentations on different research fields to mark the Himalaya Day at the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology. The officiating director VC Tiwari spoke on the objective of Himalaya Day and possible contribution of the institute scientists to facilitate sustainable and safe development in the Himalayan region.
Scientist PS Negi made presentations on Himalayan diversity, ecological and non-ecological disaster while Sushil Kumar presented work on Himalayan earthquake.
Narendra Meena spoke on the lack of sediments and their role in predicting historical disasters while Santosh Rai spoke on river dynamics and their role in understanding of Ganga river fluvial system. The poster presentation was also organised for research students on the occasion.