Need for convergence between all departments: Envn Secy

Solan: CK Mishra, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), GoI today called for convergence between various department and institutions of excellence for effective results. He expressed these views during the inauguration of the High Altitude Western Himalayan Regional Center (HAWHRC) at the Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni.

Speaking at the event Mishra said, “India has a diverse flora and fauna and it is important to pay critical attention to this area and collect and pass scientific data to the future generations. The focus should be on regional setups and the establishment of this centre at the University should substantially increase the capacity to gather and spread knowledge”.

Speaking on the topic of forest conservation, Mishra complemented the people living in the forests and the department staff. He said that the country had done quite well in the conservation of forests and the forest cover had increased in the past five years. He also lauded the efforts of the Institutions of Excellence like UHF Nauni which had played a major role in this area.
Hailing the new chapter in the history of the University, Vice-Chancellor Dr Parvinder Kaushal, thanked the MOEFCC and BSI for establishing the centre in the university campus. He informed the gathering the university has produced top scientists, administrators, managers in horticulture, forestry and allied fields who have made immense contributions to these sectors. Dr AA Mao, Director BSI thanked the University in the support for the establishment of the centre. He said that the facilities, which will be developed by the centre must be fully utilized by the researchers, students and other departments associated with the field. Calling for proper identification of wild plants in the remote areas, Dr Savita, PCCF (Wildlife) Himachal Pradesh said that diversity of the higher reaches of the state can help to increase the livelihood of the local population. Dr Kailash Chandra, Director Zoological Survey of India also spoke on the occasion.

Earlier Dr Kumar Ambrish, Scientist in-charge of HAWHRC welcomed the guests and briefed about the objectives and the functions of the centre. The efforts of Dr Sandeep Chauhan, Additional Director MoEF&CC, who played an important role in the establishment of the centre at the university were also acknowledged. The brochure of the centre was also released on the occasion.  Besides Director Research Dr JN Sharma, Director Extension Education Dr Rakesh Gupta, Deans Dr Kulwant Rai and Dr ML Bhardwaj, Dr PK Khosla, Vice-Chancellor Shoolini University, Dr KS Dogra, Scientist-D, statutory officers, HODs, scientists from BSI and ZSI took part in the event.