Jammu, February 7 (Scoop News) -The Jammu and Kashmir Governor, N. N. Vohra,extensively referred to the various reports in regard to global warming, receding glaciers, depletion of ozone layer, greenhouse effect, progressive rise in the mean annual temperatures and the sea level, erosion of topsoil, erratic monsoons, floods, droughts etc. and the impact of all these on agriculture, various life forms on planet earth and on all segments of the economy. He said that while the concern for such existing and emerging issues was limited only to the scientists some years ago, it is encouraging that today there is much greater awareness among the policy planners, administrators and the public at large about this phenomenon.
The Governor, as Chief Guest, was addressing the inaugural session of the 3-day 13th Punjab Science Congress on “Climate Change: Concerns and Solutions”, at the Punjab University, Chandigarh today. The Science Congress is being held under the aegis of Punjab Academy of Sciences.
Mr Vohra stressed the need for re-orientation of existing development strategies and appropriate scientific analysis to identify the causes of global warming phenomenon in the Indian context and initiate time-bound corrective action to effectively address the challenge of climate change.
The Governor said that while scientists in the field are engaged in studies and researches identifying the causes and effects of climate change, all of us need to work for generating public awareness.
The Governor said that in India, climate plays a far more important role in economic development than in other regions. In this context, he added that scientific assessment of the impact of climate change to various sectors of the economy is imperative for devising focused approaches and action plans to effectively respond to these changes. He said that very serious deliberations are required and inter-disciplinary networks established along with area and subject-specific assessments of the impact of climate change, undertaken at the national, regional and sub-regional levels, for timely preparedness and responses to minimize the varied impacts of climate change.
The Governor appreciated the Punjab Academy of Sciences for regularly organizing such conferences and encouraging the present and past contributors to the sciences, besides the young researchers. He hoped that this Science Congress would come out with an easy to understand set of recommendations so that quick forward movement is made towards mitigation of the climate change.
The Governor released a souvenir and book brought out by the Academy on the occasion.
The Governor gave away the Lifetime Achievement Award to distinguished mathematician, Prof. R. P. Bambah and Man for the Science and Technology Award to the noted entrepreneur, V. M. Trehan. He also conferred Honorary Fellowships of the Academy to the Vice Chancellor, Guru Nanak Dev University, Aitsar, Dr. Ajaib Singh Brar, Vice Chancellor, Delhi University, Prof. Deepak Paintal, Vice Chancellor, Punjabi University, Patiala, Dr. Jaspal Singh, noted scientist, Prof. Hans Raj Pajni, Canada-based renowned Cardiologist, Dr. N. S. Dhalla, USA-based senior scientist, Dr. Roshan Lal Aggarwal and the Principal, Government Medical College, Aitsar, Dr. Vimal. K. Sikri. He also honored several other top scientists participating in this science congress.
The Vice Chancellor, Punjab University, Chandigarh, Prof. R. C. Sobti, in his welcome address, threw light on the 3-day proceedings of the Congress and also dwelt on the growth of Punjab University over the past years. He thanked the Governor for inaugurating the 13th Punjab Science Congress and honoured him by presenting a memorabilia.
The President of the Punjab Academy of Sciences, Prof. I. J. S. Bansal, highlighted the activities of the Academy and its aims and objects. He said that the main focus of the Academy has been to popularize science and promote scientific temper among youth.
The Secretary of the Academy, Dr. Jagtar Singh, also spoke on the occasion.
A documentary was also screened on the occasion showcasing the growth of the Punjab University as a center of excellence.
The Science Congress being attended by over 800 scientists, researchers and experts of various disciplines will have five scientific sessions, covering almost all the branches of science and technology.