Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 21: In connection with ongoing tree planting season and celebration of Vanmahotsava, Department of Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing in collaboration with J&K Forest Department here today organised a workshop on ‘Role of Birds in Forest Ecology.
Different participants from J&K forest Department, Professors and scholars from Jammu University, SKUAST Srinagar and Associate Professors from GWC Parade Ground, GWC Kathua, regional volunteers, bird watchers, tree talk enthusiasts participated in the event wherein focus was laid on conservation of habitats, sacred groves, old heritage trees, edible forest trees, trees used by birds for roosting, nesting, feasting with emphasis on conservation of wetlands as waterfowl habitat and regulation of land use changes.
O.P Sharma Vidyarthi, Director Department of Ecology Environment and Remote Sensing while delivering keynote address highlighted that global count of trees is 3.04 trillion, 15 billion trees are being cut annually, 5 billion trees planted each year while undertaking tree planting we need to plant trees native to area, species used by birds, plants which are edible, medicinal and exotic species need to be phased out.
He urged to preserve the traditional wealth of flora and fauna and strengthen community conservation efforts by nurturing conservation ethos seen in preservation of sacred tree groves.
Anup Soni, Deputy Conservator of Forest expressed his experience of Birding and Role of Birds in agriculture, seed germination, Seed dispersal, pollination etc.
Dr. Pawandeep Kaur focused on ecological specificity of herons, egrets and other water birds.
Best participants Dr Sajjad Wani, Neeraj Sharma, Dr Pavandeep Kaur, Sakshi Kaul, Parmil Kumar and Dr Deepak Pathania were awarded certificates of appreciation and tree saplings.
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