Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Dec 11: Webinar on International Mountain day was organised by Institution of Engineers (India) J&K State Centre, Srinagar, in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department, J&K Mountaineering & Hiking Club and J&K State Emergency Operation Centre, Srinagar on Friday.
The webinar was inaugurated by Chief Conservator of Forests Kashmir, Syed Farooq A Gillani, who appreciated the participants for showing keen interest towards conservation of biodiversity of forests and mountains and its resources. He said that mountains are the repositories of resources.
He called the mountains “Jewels of Nature” and “Water Towers” but said that these resources are under constant threat by indiscriminate activities of humans. Prof. Shakil Romshoo, Dean Research, Univeristy of Kashmir in his key note address said that Himalayas are our pride and we reside in the most beautiful part of the Planet. He said that snow and glaciers provide water to over 300 million people for and implored that it’s our collective responsibility to preserve this important resource.
Chairman IEI, Er Aamir Ali welcomed the participants and said 11th December is observed every year as International Mountain Day and this year the theme is Protecting Mountain biodiversity. He said that the great Sufi Saint, Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani, Rehmatullah had said in the 14th Century that “Ann Poshi Teli Yeli Wann Poshi”, meaning that the survival of mankind is dependent on co-existence of the Forests and its bio-diversity.
He pointed out that improper land use change, encroachments in forest areas, deforestation, climate change, unsustainable farming practices, commercial mining, and illegal poaching of wildlife are the main factors responsible. He urged that necessary measures be taken by all, to prevent this and reduce our carbon footprints and preserve our forests and biodiversity for the sake of our children and future generations.