Himalayan Knowledge Network held at KU

Srinagar: Kashmir University Vice-Chancellor Prof Talat Ahmad inaugurated a workshop for establishment of JK Chapter under Himalayan Knowledge Network.
In his inaugural address, Prof Talat emphasised the importance of such a Chapter for J&K and its relevance to development of effective policies. He desired it to be an all inclusive and interdisciplinary Chapter taking societal dimension into consideration.
Dean Academic Affairs (DAA) Prof Farooq A Masoodi said that Himalayan states are confronted with common challenges, such as climate change, species loss and food insecurity, which bring institutions and individuals on a common platform.
Registrar Dr Nisar A Mir committed full support of the University administration in terms of the facilities and human resource for the said chapter. The DAA and Registrar both stressed on adding people from social sciences to the HKN.
Earlier, Prof Zafar A Reshi, Nodal Person of the HKN welcomed the participants and Dr G C S Negi, Scientist ‘G’ (Forest Ecology) G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment & Sustainable Development discussed the objectives and expectations of ‘State Chapters’ under HKN.
Prof Manzoor A Shah presented the vote of thanks.
The workshop was attended by scientists and representatives of Government Departments from almost all major institutions of J&K including Universities of Jammu and Kashmir, SKUAST Jammu, SKUAST Kashmir, IUST, BGBSU, IIIM, Cluster University, Department of Remote Sensing, LAWDA, etc. In the technical session, 20 presentations were made by various scientists deputed for the purpose from their respective institutions on various facets of physical (water, soil, glacial) and biological (plant, animal and microbial) resources, the status of existing information and modalities of data sharing. There was a consensus on two thematic areas in terms of Biological and Physical resources to be taken up as mandated by the NITI Ayog for this purpose. The report to be developed under the aegis of JK Chapter for HKN is expected to synthesize the critical information from natural and other sciences for better policy planning vis-à-vis the natural resources of the UT of JK.
Prof Reshi conducted the proceedings while Prof Shah and Dr Anzar Khuroo wrapped up the session.

KR Desk