national conference on environmental sustainability concludes in Nurpur
The two-day national conference on ‘Environmental Sustainability’ concluded last evening at Government Arya Degree College, Nurpur, featuring insightful discussions, groundbreaking research presentations, and collaborative exchanges.
Sponsored by the Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology & Environment, the event saw the participation of 100 scientists, environmental professionals, and young researchers from across the country, who engaged in both in-person and online sessions. The conference aimed to address pressing environmental challenges and explore sustainable practices.
Dr Amit Chawla, a scientist from CSIR-IHBT Palampur, delivered an offline keynote lecture on the ‘Ecological carrying capacity framework’, focusing on its role in sustainable development by defining the maximum limit of human activities that can be supported by regional natural resources. Dr Manoj Sharma, a professor from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, presented pioneering research on plant-based veterinary vaccines, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Dr Rajesh Jalota, an eminent scientist from Australia, contributed to the discussions through an online session, engaging the audience with a provocative talk on carbon management and its role as either a friend or foe in environmental sustainability. Dr Rajinder Kaur Gill, a scientist from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, emphasised the importance of wetland conservation, urging attendees to protect these fragile ecosystems. Dr Ajay Kaushal from the Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology, Hyderabad, explored the future of lithium-ion batteries in renewable energy storage and electric vehicles. Dr Manish Mishra, a scientist from Uzbekistan, underscored the need for interdisciplinary approaches in environmental education and policy-making.
Among the exhibits were medicinal plants from the Regional Horticulture Research Centre Jachh (Nurpur), while students from the host Government Arya College presented posters on various environmental issues. In a meaningful gesture to promote environmental awareness, the Arjun Save Earth Foundation distributed around 200 medicinal plants to visitors, encouraging them to foster greenery in their local environments. In addition to expert lectures, over 30 research papers were presented during the event.
