SHIMLA : The scientists at Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Shimla,  Himachal Pradesh today called for conservation of water sources  to recharge the ground and streams for the secure future.  

 They underscored this need  at  a programme  on the theme "Jal Hi Jeevan Hai"  today  on March 11 under the "Amrut Mahotsav of India". The programme was attended by scientists, officers, research staff and researchers of  the Institute. Dr. Joginder  Singh, Chief Technical Officer, Extension Division inaugurated the programme.

HFRI director Dr. S.S. Samant said  there is a great need for water conservation today as the sources of water have been polluted by human beings and groundwater has been over-exploited. Today, the level of ground water is falling, which we can also get an idea of by looking at the change in the vegetation of the forests, he observed.

“For example, we can see that there is an abundance of nagphani and other desert and alien species of plants in the forests”. The efforts made by the institute on water conservation are significant, he added.

 He said rain water is stored by the institute and used as and when required.  In addition to this, he explained the method of preserving the water from the ice.

 Dr Sandeep Sharma, Scientist-G and Group Coordinator Research gave various examples in the same series and said that if rain water is collected in the catchment area by constructing pits in it, the ground water level improves and the natural well bunkers can be available throughout the year, he said.

Painting and speech competitions were also held on the same subject. Anukriti, Preetika and Tamanna secured first, second and third positions respectively in the painting competition. Gaurav Swarup Verma, Kulwant Rai Gulshan and Gopal Negi secured first, second and third position respectively in the speech competition.

Dr. Joginder Chauhan, Chief Technical Officer  also expressed his gratitude to all the scientists, officers, researchers and participants  present in the auditorium for their active participation and for making this programme a success.