By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 4 Sep: As a part of Himalaya Conservation Week (2-9 September), CSIR-IIP hosted a panel discussion today on “Technological Advancements and Development Perspectives in Management of the Himalayan Ecosystem”.
The panellists included Padma Bhushan awardee Dr Anil Prakash Joshi (HESCO), Dr R P Singh (Director, IIRS), Prof Durgesh Pant (Director General, UCOST), Dr GS Rawat, (former Director, WII and Founder, HAST), Dr Reema Pant (Director, Graphic Era Hill University), Dr Abhishek Rajvansh, (Head, CIPET, Dehradun), Professor Govind Singh Rajwar and Dr Sanat Kumar.
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, in his message, stressed the need for a holistic approach and united efforts for sustainable development of the Himalayan region.
Dr Harender Singh Bisht, Director, CSIR-IIP, highlighted the need to identify appropriate solutions, customised for a region, to ensure its easy and faster adoption. He cited an example of pine needle briquetting work done by IIP for Champawat region. Dr Anil Prakash Joshi stated the need to balance both the science and means to achieve equitable and sustainable growth of Himalayan region. He also stressed creating awareness especially amongst youth and the highest echelons. Dr GS Rawat gave an overview of the rich cultural legacy and biodiversity of Higher Himalayan region and its current challenges. He advocated the need to develop plans addressing, both, conservation and livelihood /development of the region.
Prof RP Singh highlighted developments in remote sensing applications especially for assessment of phenology of Himalayan forests and measurement of CO2 flux. Prof Reema Pant emphasised the role of education especially amongst youth to promote use of eco-friendly and appropriate practices. Dr Sanat Kumar stressed the importance of scale and economics for every solution for sustainable and all inclusive development. He highlighted work done by IIP in providing solution to waste plastics by converting it into fuel. The session was moderated by Dr Sunil Pathak.
