SRINAGAR: Faculty of Fisheries, SK University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology-Kashmir) in collaboration with Department of WildLife, Hokersar and J&K State Science, Technology & Innovation Council, Department of Science & Technology, J&K Govt, commemorated Wetland Day with a two day event being organised by the faculty for its Scientists ,students to apprise them role of wetlands.
The faculty in line with this year’s theme was Wetlands Action for People and Nature’ highlighting the importance of actions to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands for humans and planetary health.It aimed to spread the message of valuing-managing-restoring wetlands.
The programme got an overwhelming response and around 100 students of the faculty participated in the programme. This event was a hybrid event with the physical presence of Scientists & Students at Hokersar on the first day. The programme began with the visit of the participants around the Hokersar wetland and was followed by a series of lectures delivered by Regional warden Mrs. Ifshana Dewan, Range officer, Suhail Yousuf and Block Officer, G N Baba. The speakers talked about various aspects like significance of wetlands, migratory birds visiting various wetlands of Kashmir especially Hokersar, challenges and issues faced in conservation of these wetlands, management plan and many other important aspects.
They urged students and the scientific fraternity to work for the conservation of wetlands. There was a question answer session where both the staff as well as the students participated actively.
The second day began with the participation of students in the painting competition in which around 30 students painted on the given theme and winners were given prizes.
The valedictory function was graced by Dean Faculty of Fisheries, Prof. Masarat Khan. She highlighted the role of Wetlands for human kind in general and for Kashmir valley in particular. She also emphasised on the expected role of SKUAST-K in conservation of these wetlands. Professor Khan distributed prizes among the winners of the painting competition.
The programme concluded with the pledge of saving and protecting the wetlands of Kashmir and with a special note of thanks to Dr.N. A Shah, Additional Director, Bilal Ahmad , Department of Science & Technology, J&K for their encouragement and financial support for organising this programme successfully.

KR Desk