Himachal Governor bats for preservation of Himalayan ecosystem

Shimla, March 5

Stressing on the need to preserve the mountain ecosystem, Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla said the development work should be carried forward only after studying the fragile ecology of the region. He was speaking as a chief guest in a three-day international conference organised by the Kullu-based Govind Ballabh Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment on ‘Mountain Ecosystem Processes and Livelihoods’. Earlier, he also inaugurated a guest house and an auditorium of the institute.

He said the institute was making concerted efforts as the lead agency to advance scientific research, develop integrated management strategies and conserve natural resources. He stressed on the need to delve into the unexpected natural disaster in the state last year, and emphasised on the need to build up strategies based on scientific research for the development activities in the hilly regions. He also expressed his concern over construction being carried along the river banks.

“We have to conserve natural resources, particularly the water and forest wealth of the state. There was a need to plant saplings after conducting the soil fertility tests and as per the geographical conditions,” he said. He asked the organisers to prepare a report on the research statements presented in this three-day conference and send it to the state and central governments so that the conclusions drawn from here could be considered.

Prof Sunil Notiyal, Director, Govind Ballabh Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Almora, welcomed the Governor and apprised him of the history and other activities of the institute.