Scientists should also exercise great caution while exploring the potential for harnessing the Himalayas like the marine resources. They should also ensure that there is no altering in nature even for research purpose. The Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, YS Chowdary said this while speaking as the chief guest at the conclusion of the 30th Himalaya-Karakoram-Tibet (HKT) workshop organised at the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG) here on Thursday.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Chowdary said that it is high time to realise that study of the Himalayas and Himalayan geology is important not only from the regional but also from the global point of view. He said, “The Himalayas are not just a mountain chain or ecosystem but also constitute a major factor that influences various aspects of life and environment.” The minister also exhorted the scientific fraternity to ensure that research work ends up helping the general public. “There is a need for ensuring that research is conducted on burning issues and that the research is then put into application. We must explore the potential for harnessing the Himalayas with much caution to avoid any ecological problems. One should never think of altering nature even for research purposes,” stressed the minister.
lok Sabha MP from Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar constituency, Bhagat Singh Koshyari also expressed his views on the occasion. He expressed hope that the outcome of the 30th HKT would prove beneficial to the public. However, without field work, any workshop has no meaning, stressed the MP.
Earlier, WIHG director Anil Kumar Gupta welcomed and introduced Chowdary and Koshyari to the gathering. WIHG scientist and workshop convener Rajesh Sharma, Vinit Gahlot from Ministry of Earth Sciences and other participants of the workshop also expressed their views on the occasion. The minister also inaugurated a newly established laboratory in the institute on the occasion. Earlier, various research papers were presented by geologists and researchers from across the world on the concluding day of the workshop.