By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 19 May: A Training Programme on ‘Application of High Science Tools for Watershed Planning’, organised by Hydrology & Engineering Division, ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil & Water Conservation (IISWC), Dehradun, was successfully inaugurated today. In this 5-day training programme, officers / watershed stakeholders / research scholars from 5 states — Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Odisha are participating. The aims and objectives of the programme refer to the advanced, research-intensive approaches that use cutting-edge scientific methods, tools, and interdisciplinary knowledge to manage watersheds holistically. Watersheds are complex systems involving natural resources, ecological processes, and human impacts. Managing them effectively requires a thorough understanding of hydrology, ecology, climate science, soil science, remote sensing, data science, social sciences, and policy-making. The application of advanced scientific techniques, technologies, and data-driven approaches to optimise the sustainable use of land and water resources is a dire need of the day. Senior-level officers, academicians, and scientists involved in land-water management have multifaceted work responsibilities that focus on sustainable resource use, innovation, policy influence, and knowledge dissemination, aiming at integrated watershed/landscape development and management. Thus, their work drives both management and practical application to address complex challenges associated with land degradation, water scarcity, climate change, and ecosystem preservation and is able to reflect visible outcomes.
In the inaugural session, Dr Charan Singh, I/c Director, ICAR- IISWC, addressed the participants and stressed upon practical skills useful in watershed planning. Thereafter, Dr RK Singh, Head, H&E, & Course Director, also shared his experiences with the participants. A brief introduction of the training programme and its genesis was enumerated by Dr Ambrish Kumar, Principal Scientist and Co-Course Director. The participants showed their eagerness to learn the skills regarding various tools of high science.
The inaugural session was conducted by Dr Uday Mandal, Senior Scientist & Coordinator. Harvirendra Singh, Technical Officer (Technical Coordinator), Amit Kumar, Technician (Technical Coordinator), CM Bist, Assistant Chief Technical Officer, and all the faculty and officers of the institute attended the session. At the end, Dr Uday Mandal proposed the vote of thanks.
