SHIMLA: Scientists have expressed their concern over the depleting biodiversity and natural water resources of the Himalayan region. They came on board and took the pledge to save Himalaya and its biodiversity on Himalaya Day celebrated at HFRI on September 9.
There are very crucial issues and challenges of water conservation in Himalayan region, said Dr. G.S. Goraya, former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Himachal Pradesh, who was the key speaker of the Himalaya Day organised at the Himalayan Forest Research Institute.
Dr Goraya said scores of important medicinal plants of Himalayan region are on the verge of extinction due to extreme biotic and abiotic factors.
Dr Goraya underscored urgent need to researching the impact of water content in natural streams on biodiversity in the Himalaya, which is crucial for sustainable future.
Dr. Vineet Jishtu, Scientist-E at HFRI gave a detailed presentation on "Himalayan Bio-diversity for sustainable livelihood security".
HFRI’s director-in-charge Dr Sandeep Sharma stressed on the need for water harvesting measures to meet the present and future requirement of this extremely important resource.
As many as 80 scientists, officers, staff, project staff and field staff of HFRI took an active part in the programme. They took an oath to save the Himalaya.
During his address Dr. Jagdish Singh, chief, extension division highlighted the importance of Himalaya for not only for its natives, but also for the entire country and Hindu Kush Himalayan region as a whole.