UGC-HRDC, KU organizes special session on conservation of forests

Srinagar, July 23: UGC-HRDC, University of Kashmir organized a special lecture on conservation of ecology and forests on Tuesday.
Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir, Mr. Syed Farooq Ahmad Gillani delivered the lecture during the ongoing 83rd General Orientation Course, being attended by newly appointed Assistant Professors of colleges and universities of J&K state.
According to the organisers the main objective of the special lecture was to underline the importance of conserving state’s depleting forest cover by encouraging people’s active participation in protecting and managing forest wealth through afforestation drives and creating awareness about ecosystem.
In his lecture Syed Farooq Ahmad Gillani deliberated upon forest resources of J&K, contribution of forestry sector towards the economy of J&K state, intangible benefits of ecological balance and biodiversity, Forest Policy of J&K state framed in 2010 that lays emphasis upon poverty alleviation by improving productivity of existing forests, by extending forest and tree cover on non-forest lands and developing forest fringe belt into village production forests.
Mr. Farooq Gillani also dwelled upon various Forest Acts and related Regulations enacted in the state of J&K from time to time.
He also urged upon all the participants to actively participate in plantation drive of his department in the coming months that was reciprocated positively by the participants of the course as well as Director of the Centre.
Prof. Shabir Ahmad Bhat, Director, UGC-HRDC in his opening remarks said that the lecture is intended at enhancing awareness among the faculty members of various colleges and universities of the state regarding preservation of biodiversity, ecosystem, conservation of forests, protection of environment and wildlife so that the necessary information percolates down to the students that would steer Jammu and Kashmir towards an eco-friendly and environment friendly state.
He further added that in European countries customers put forth their best efforts to purchase eco-friendly products from eco-friendly companies in order to contribute towards sustainable development through green initiatives and it is high time that our state too takes concrete measures towards harnessing sustainable green initiatives. It was resolved that HRDC, University of Kashmir would participate in the plantation drive of the Forest department in coming months.
Course Coordinator and Coordinator HRDC, Dr. Mohammad Ishaq Geer conducted the proceedings of this special session and emphasized upon the govt agencies, NGOs and all other stakeholders to take appropriate measures for the protection of forests and environment.