PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun
To raise public awareness about the conservation, scientific study and sustainable development of the Himalayas, the Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST) organised a ‘Himalaya Science Dialogue’ on Wednesday to mark the Himalaya Day. The commemorative programme was hosted under the joint auspices of UCOST, HESCO, Maiti Sanstha and Himalayan Academy of Science and Technology.
Addressing the event, the director general, UCOST, Durgesh Pant said that the Himalayas are not only Uttarakhand’s identity but also a vital region for the country’s ecological and water security. “We need to promote the integration of science, technology, innovation and local knowledge to address the challenges facing the Himalayas,” he noted and laid stress on educating youth and students about Himalayan conservation.
The joint director, UCOST, D P Uniyal highlighted the critical role of science and technology in the Himalayan ecology and its conservation, and emphasised the need for collective efforts in the development of the Himalayan regions.
The event’s special guest, the Scientist ‘G’ and deputy general manager, Regional Remote Sensing Centre (RRSC)-North, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Department of Space, Government of India, Samir Saran highlighted the utility of remote sensing and space technology in the study, monitoring, and management of natural resources in the Himalayan regions. “Modern scientific techniques can better monitor and analyse environmental and geographical changes in the Himalayas,” he added.
A member, State Himalayan Council, Acharya Sushant Raj expressed his views on the need to integrate community participation, local knowledge, and scientific perspectives for the conservation of the Himalayas and the overall development of the Himalayan regions.
The founder, HESCO, Padma Bhushan Anil Prakash Joshi, emphasised the importance of public participation and the role of local communities in conserving the Himalayas.
