SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 16 (KNS): The Two days workshop on ‘Lakes and Watersheds: From Exploitation to Conservation’ organised by Division of Aquatic Environmental Management (AEM), Faculty of Fisheries SKUAST- K, Rangil Ganderbal in association with Innovation Council, Department of Science and Technology and Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA)concluded here today.
Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai presided over the valedictory function as Chief Guest while as Commissioner Secretary, Science and Technology, Saurabh Bhagat was Guest of honour on the occasion.
Director Research, SKUAST-K, Prof. Sarfaraz Wani; Dean,Faculty of Fisheries, Professor (Dr) Farooz Ahmad Bhat; Additional Director JKST&IC, Dr. Nasir A. Shah; Joint Director JKST&IC, Bilal A Bhat; HoD, Division of AEM, Prof. Adnan Abu Bakr, eminent scholars, researchers, large number of students and other concerned were also present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K in his address admired the organizers for conducting this workshop and inspired the students and scientists to conduct innovative research to contribute to society and science.
Speaking during the valedictory function of the workshop, Saurabh Bhagat spoke in length about the funding mechanisms of Science and Technology Department, their success stories and opportunities for researchers to work with Science and Technology Department for their innovative research ideas. He impressed upon the scientific community to work on rejuvenation of lakes and waste management issues.
The Commissioner Secretary underlined that the S&T department will work to provide opportunities to SKUAST-K scientists for availing R&D projects and establishments of centre of excellences from JKST&IC on a high pace against 24 projects already sanctioned to the institution.
In his address through online mode, Vice Chairman of LCMA, Dr. Bashir Ahmad Bhat spoke about the strategies adopted for saving Dal Lake, restoring its water quality and rehabilitating its banks. He also spoke about the achievements of LCMA in rehabilitating the various lake sites and its beautification in the periphery and catchment.
During the valedictory function of the workshop, prizes and certificates were distributed among winners of the debating competition.
Pertinently, the Two days workshop was inaugurated yesterday and was based on a theme of imparting awareness among the students, stakeholders including people residing around the lake banks about the importance of lake management and conservation.
During the workshop, eminent researchers and scholars spoke on varied topics like technical aspects about lake management and conservation, importance of lakes in terms of ecology and service to mankind and other related topics.
As part of the workshop, an awareness drive was conducted by the Division of AEM in collaboration with LCMA along the banks of Dal Lake. The drive included a rally in which placards and banners were displayed by students followed by an interactive session with the local residents, shikara riders, shopkeepers, local vendors and people to imbibe in them the sense of awareness about lakes conservation.(KNS)