Srinagar, April 22 (Scoop News) – On the eve of the Earth Day on 22 April, Kashmir University (KU) today organized a number of events including a brainstorming Plenary session on environmental scenario of the state and an interactive poster exhibition showcasing the University’s research products on various aspects of the environment.
The Inaugural of the Earth Day 2011 was held at the Gandhi Bhavan and was presided over by Prof. A. R. Yousuf, Dean Academic Affairs. Prof. S. Fayyaz, Registrar of the University, Deans of various faculties, Heads of various depts., participants from Govt. and civil society attended the Earth Day events at the University.
Speaking at the Inaugural, Prof. A. R. Yousuf emphasized the need for joint efforts among the various departments of the University to understand the scientific, social-economic and historical aspects of the Earth System. He called for close coordination with the government and society to safeguard our degrading environment in the state.
Prof. S. Fayyaz, Registrar of the University, speaking at the Inaugural said that, the boundaries between various disciplines are thinning out and in order to understand the environmental problems facing the society, it is important to evolve a multi-disciplinary approach. He offered University’s support for any initiative for the preservation of environment in the state.
Dr. Shakil A Romshoo, Head Dept. of Geology and Geophysics provided an overview of the research work being conducted at the University to understand various pressing issues facing the Mother Earth in the state. He emphasized the need for partnership among the academia, govt., industry and the civil society to develop robust strategies and actions plans so that the research outcomes can inform the planning process in the state to address the environment issues including disasters.
A brainstorming plenary session among invited participants from the academia, government and the civil society was organized to discuss the deteriorating environmental scenario in the state. The participants discussed the issues theme-wise; disaster vulnerability, depleting water resources, Land use changes, water pollution, land degradation, biodiversity, forest resources, energy issues and climate change aspects. It was felt that the rapid changes in the population, economy, energy demand and climate are likely to cause further environmental damage, with the region becoming more degraded, more polluted, less forested, less galcierized, and less ecologically diverse in the future. It was stressed that there is a need to develop roadmaps and action plans for every specific environment issues in the state so that the govt can take measures to effectively respond to the environmental challenges facing the region and ensure sustainable development and conservation of earth resources in the state.
The KU Earth Day events shall continue till 2 May, 2011 when the valedictory and prize distribution function shall be organized in the Gandhi Bhavan, University campus.