Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 28: A two-day 16th Association of Punjab Geographers (APG) Meet and National Conference on `Changing Mountain Environment, Resource Utilization and Sustainable Livelihood’ began here this morning at the University of Jammu.
The national conference, being organized by the Department of Geography, JU, was inaugurated by Prof Sudhir K Jain, Vice Chancellor, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University. He dwelt on the issues of global warming and changing climatic conditions.
He also threw light on the major thrust areas that need to be addressed in light of the changing climatic conditions and said that there is a great need to preserve our resources.
Speaking on the occasion, JU Vice-Chancellor Prof R D Sharma, emphasized the sensitivity of mountain environment in the context of climate change. “As a major ecosystem representing the complex and interrelated ecology of our planet, mountain environments are essential to the survival of the global ecosystem”, he explained and stressed that proper management of mountain resources and socio-economic development of the people deserves immediate action.
The Keynote Address was delivered by Prof Amitabh Kundu, a leading academician from JNU and Chairman, Technical Advisory Committee on Housing, RBI, and Government of India. He made a lucid presentation of changing global scenario vis a vis sustainable livelihood, showing the database of various countries including India.
Prof H S Mangat, patron, APG gave an overview of the Association of Punjab Geographers, which has about 500 life members from all over India. He said that the objective of APG is promoting teachings in geography at various levels from schools to universities.
Prof D D Sharma, president, APG also addressed the gathering and focused on the main theme of the conference.
Earlier, Prof Anuradha Sharma, Head Department of Geography and Convener of the Conference, gave a brief overview of the Department.
On this occasion, Prof M N Kaul and Prof G B Singh were given the lifetime achievement awards for their distinguished contribution in the field of research. Abstract Book of the conference was also released.
Dr Sarfaraz Ashgar, Organizing Secretary of the conference presented the formal vote of thanks.
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