Srinagar, Mar 10: Eminent scientists, academics and environmental activists today spoke about the need to conserve Kashmir’s Himalayan ecosystem at an awareness programme on water conservation held at the University of Kashmir as part of the National Mission on Conservation of Water Resources in the Himalayan region.
The program was organised by the J&K Chapter of Himalayan Knowledge Network, an initiative coordinated by G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Uttarakhand, with the support from National Mission on Himalayan Studies, under the aegis of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.
Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Nilofer Khan, in her presidential remarks, said that the national missions like ‘Mission LiFe’ enable the University to get connected with the community on environment conservation and understand its needs and requirements.
Saying that youth have a strong power to get connected with society and lead environment conservation campaigns with great impact, the Vice-Chancellor said Universities have a role beyond academics and research to raise awareness on pressing issues like water conservation. She complimented the Department of Botany and JK Chapter of HKN for organising the programme.
On the occasion, the HKN awarded Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo, Chairman of Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation (NLCO) for its success story and best practice concerning the conservation of Nigeen Lake and other water bodies in Srinagar.
The award to Mr Wangnoo comes with a cash prize of Rs 50,000 for Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation.
Speaking on the occasion, Manzoor Wangnoo shared his experiences related to Nigeen Lake conservation under ‘Mission Ehsaas’ and how community participation and multi stakeholder approach, in support with government agencies, helped achieve tangible results.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Zafar A Reshi, Dean School of Biological Sciences and Nodal Person for JK HKN, said HKN platform is a bridge between academia and government to help policy formulation which is in sync with the present day needs and future requirements of the Himalayan region.
“The larger understanding at the policy level today is that there can be no linear solution to environmental concerns in the Himalayan region which is very fragile. That’s why the participation of the community is very important,” he said.
Earlier, Head of the Department of Botany, Prof Z A Kaloo, delivered the welcome address and gave a brief introduction about ‘Mission LiFE’. Prof Manzoor A Shah conducted proceedings of the event, while Dr Anzar A Khuroo delivered the vote of thanks.
