STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), J&K Regional Branch, in collaboration with the J&K Forest Department, organized a thought-provoking seminar on “Climate Change: Challenges, Mitigation and Adaptation”. Held last evening, the seminar marked the first of its kind in the region, bringing together policymakers, experts, and academics to deliberate on the growing climate crisis and the urgent need for sustainable solutions.
The event was graced by B.R. Sharma, Chairman IIPA J&K Regional Branch, as Chief Guest, and Dr. Ashok Bhan, Patron of IIPA J&K, who presided over the function.
Vasu Yadav, Chairman Pollution Control Board and Director Environment & Remote Sensing, and Dr. Rajeshwar Singh Jasrotia, IFS (Retd.), former Chief Conservator of Forests, were the key speakers. Vasu Yadav, in his presentation, emphasized that climate change is not a new phenomenon, tracing its reference back to ancient scriptures like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. He stressed the need to accept change as inevitable, given socio-economic development, while urging strong measures to conserve green cover and manage land, waste, and pollution scientifically. He highlighted the increasing intensity of western disturbances and freak weather events, including a cloudburst in Kathua, an unprecedented occurrence for the region.
Dr. Jasrotia elaborated on global climatic aberrations including erratic rainfall, intense heat waves, rising sea levels, and receding glaciers. He underlined the rise in greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on ecosystems, biodiversity, and public health. He called for urgent action, including decarbonisation, adoption of renewable energy, afforestation, and adherence to the Paris Agreement and India’s INDC commitments. B.R. Sharma, in his address, framed climate change as a challenge beyond science – one rooted in ethics, spirituality, and civilisation.
Quoting ancient Indian texts and Ban Ki-moon, he described Earth as a shared household, advocating a shift to sustainable lifestyles, climate-resilient infrastructure, and conservation-based development.
He invoked Gandhiji’s words, “The earth provides enough for everyone’s need, but not for everyone’s greed.”
Dr. Ashok Bhan commended the speakers’ diverse perspectives and discussed the J&K Forest (Conservation Amendment) Act 2023, noting its development-environment trade-off. He warned of the long-term consequences of ecological degradation, urging balanced policy decisions.
The seminar witnessed participation from officers of the Forest, Agriculture, and Horticulture Departments, pensioners’ associations, students, and scholars from University of Jammu and Central University of Jammu.
Prof. Alka Sharma welcomed the guests, Er. M.M. Gupta delivered the vote of thanks, and Prof. Komal Nagar conducted the proceedings.
