O P Sharma
The 198-page book in English entitled “ Wildlife and Wetland Eco-system of Jammu and Kashmir Himalayas” authored by Prof. R.D Gupta and Maj. Gen. Goverdhan Singh Jamwal (Retd.), both committed to the crucial cause of environment, has recently hit the book stalls.
The subject matter of the book is of deep concern and as also of wide interest. The entire Himalayan eco-system including the J&K range as also Kandi areas is gravely threatened by indiscriminate exploitation of its precious natural resources like forest wealth, water bodies and wildlife. It goes further to erosion of soil resulting in decreasing of many crops as also a lot siltation and sedimentation in a number of water bodies.
Need vs Greed
The present book penned by two eminent writers having much experience in environmental issues, has documented vital issues concerning forests and wildlife as also pinpointed ill-effect of man’s greed overtaking genuine human needs to exploit our green gold resulting in climatic and other damaging changes which often lead to earth warming as also dry-spells or dangerous floods and natural calamity.
The book has 17 chapters; each devoted to providing vital information quoted from authentic sources as also field data putting out danger signal.
At the same time, it is making a wake-up call to take timely suitable measures on the oveall environmental issues through concrete measure, both short -term and long terms, for protection and regeneration of forests conservation of wildlife and keeping our environ clean and green. All the citizens have to put all their efforts.
This book serves the purpose of creating public awareness about their social responsibilities towards preservation of environment as also clean ecological order all along the Himalayas. The beginning has to be made just today itself for tomorrow may be too late for remedial measures to work and restore environment through joint global strategy and Action Plan.
Proud Assets
Our part of the Himalaya has unique geographical position, a wide variety of climatic condition, existence of different species of plants and rare wildlife. The ancient cultural heritage co-exists with the modern society. Our sages and saints imparted high importance to plants, animal life and also laid stress on preservation and protection of environment on the sacred Mother Earth.
The portion of Jammu and Kashmir Himalayas abound in natural charm and has been the centre of attraction for its holy pilgrimages places since time immemorial. The Himalayas being abode of numerous gods and goddesses are frequented by thousands of pilgrim-tourists. This area is also an exciting and interesting place for the environmentalists for the deep study to evolve suitable strategy for keeping intact its sublime natural beauty and ensure green and clean environment. Both authors Dr. RD Gupta and Gen. G. S. Jamwal have give an insight into the status of J&K Himalayan range based on a research work.
Their valuable contribution will certainly prove useful for the general readership. There are many references quoted in each chapter and at the end a detailed Bibliography has also been given indicating the basic source material on which the conclusions have been drawn in this book.
Research Work
Prof (Dr) R D Gupta was Dean, SKUAST, Jammu and did research work. He is regular contributor to Daily Excelsior. While Maj Gen. (Retd) G S Jamwal is President, J&K Ex-Servicemen league and headed J&K Paryavaran Sanstha, having deep knowledge of environmental issues.
This well produced publication has fine printing on quality paper. Though the J&K State Academy of Art, Culture and Languages has provided financial assistance for the book yet it has been priced highly which make it beyond the reach of common readers. It would have been ideal if some colourful pictures of the J&K Himalayas, its rare wildlife, especially some rare species and condition of water body were included in this book. The environment is now a concern of every citizen. I have gone through the entire book and found it a useful and profitable publication. It will be of much interest for the planners, administrators, academicians, environmentalists, students as well common readers.
(Starline Syndicate Service).
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