Urgent need to study Himalayas: IFS officer

The Himalayan Forest Research Institute today celebrated Himalayan Diwas. On the occasion, Kuldeep Sharma, an IFS officer, said the Himalayan region — which passes through India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal — played a crucial role in the circumstances that prevailed in the area.

The day had been celebrated since 2014 to preserve and protect the air, water, forests and soil of the Himalayan region, the IFS officer added.

Sharma talked about the distinct identity and importance of the Himalayan region, and how it played a crucial role in the ecosystem.

“There is an urgent need to conduct studies, and examine unexplored areas and issues concerning the Himalayan region,” he said.

Dr Jagdish Singh stressed the need to preserve the pristine and sensitive Himalayan ecology.

Scientists and researchers, addressing the gathering, highlighted the growing importance of the Himalayan region, especially in view of frequent disasters such as floods and landslides hitting the ecologically fragile Himalayan region in the state, and Uttarakhand.