Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU/ SRINAGAR, Feb 2: To mark the date of adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on February 2, 1971, various educational institutions, NGOs and Government Departments in Jammu and Kashmir today celebrated World Wetland Day by organizing awareness programmes about the value of wetlands for humanity and the planet.
In this connection, the Department of Animal Sciences and Wildlife of Central University of Jammu organized a one day workshop here at its Temporary Academic Block, Sainik Colony. M P Dogra, Chief Conservator of Forest, J&K State and other dignitaries, including Prof D C Gautam from Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla; Nadeem Quadri, Advocate and Environmental activist founder Wildlife Conservation Fund and Parvez Shagoo, Forester and Birdwatcher, Department of Wildlife Protection, J&K were the resource persons on the occasion.
The speakers discussed about the issues faced in conservation of wetlands and disseminated knowledge about the importance of Gharana Wetland, R S Pura, Jammu Prof N K Tripathi, Head, Department of Animal Sciences and Wildlife, highlighted the importance of World Wetlands Day. Students from the Integrated Botany, Zoology and Chemistry courses presented PowerPoint presentations, displayed models and charts on the Gharana Wetland and also on the importance of the wetlands to the world.
Department of Zoology, GGM Science College, Jammu, celebrated World Wetlands Day in the college premises. O P Sharma Vidyarthi, Director, Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing, J&K, was resource person on the occasion, who informed that theme of World Wetlands Day 2017 is “Disaster Risk Reduction”. He gave an elaborate account of the importance of the day and the extant diversity of important wetlands of J&K.
Nodal Principal, Dr Ajeet Angral, briefed the students about the theme of the interactive session. He exhorted the students to undertake actions aimed at raising public awareness of wetland values and benefits in general and the Ramsar Convention in particular.
Dr Ranvijay Singh, HoD Zoology, presented an overview of the animal diversity vis-à-vis the wetlands located around Jammu city.
Reports from Srinagar also said that in connection with World Wetlands Day, several functions were held in the Valley.
The Department of Wildlife Protection organized a function at Doon International School, Hokersar in collaboration with an NGO “National Society for Protection of Water resources, Wetlands and Forests.” On the occasion, speakers highlighted the importance of wetlands and said wetlands are natural safeguard against the disasters.
Chief Executive Director, Wullar Conservation and Management Authority, Mian Javaid, underscored the role of the wetlands as a most productive life support system in the world.
A debate on the theme “Conservation of Wetlands” was also organized in which the students from various educational institutions threw light on the measures to be adopted for the welfare of the wetlands. Students also showcased the sketches and drawing on the theme who were later given prizes. Besides others, the function was attended by research scholars from SKUAST-K, officials from Kashmir University, officials from Wildlife Department, besides representatives of different NGOs and students from various schools of the Valley
Similarly, the Department of Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing also celebrated World Wetland Day at its office complex in Bemina. On the occasion, a symposium was held, which was participated by students from various schools and locals.
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