Srinagar: A two days workshop on “Lakes and Watersheds: From exploitation to conservation” was organized by Division of Aquatic Environmental Management (AEM), Faculty of Fisheries SKUAST- K, Rangil, Ganderbal.
The program was sponsored by Jammu and Kashmir innovation council, Department of science and Technology in collaboration with lake conservation and management authority (LCMA).
On the first day 15th Nov. 2022 in the inaugural ceremony Dr. Imtiyaz Qayoom, Organizing Secretary, gave a brief review about the activities to be carried in the workshop. Prof. (Dr) Adnan Abubakr, HOD, AEM briefed about the technical aspects and importance about lake management and conservation. Prof. (Dr) Farooz A. Bhat, I/C, Professor, Faculty of Fisheries, spoke about the importance of lakes in terms of ecology and service to mankind. He also congratulated the organizing secretary and the division for conducting such kinds of workshops. After the inaugural function, one expert lecture was delivered by Dr. Mubashir Jeelani, Assoc. prof. Environmental Sciences, GDC, Sumbal. The lecture was followed by an intra faculty debate competition in which UG and PG students of the faculty participated.
On 2nd day, an awareness drive was conducted by the division of AEM in collaboration with LCMA along the banks of dal Lake. The drive was conducted by the students and faculty members along with the DFO LCMA, Gazalla Abdullah, Assistant professors from Faculty of Fisheries and various officials from LCMA. This drive included a rally in which placards and banners were displayed by students followed by an interactive session with the local residents, shikara riders, shopkeepers, local vendors and passing by people to imbibe in them the sense of awareness about lakes conservation.
Valedictory function was held at the Faculty of Fisheries SKUAST-K Rangil presided over by Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K, Professor (Dr) Nazir Ahmad Ganai, in presence of Saurabh Bhagat, Commissioner Secretary JKDST, Professor (Dr) Sarfaraz Wani, Director Research, SKUAST-K, Professor (Dr) Farooz Ahmad Bhat, Dean,Faculty of Fisheries, Dr. Nasir A. Shah, Additional Director JKSt&Ic, Mr. Bilal A Bhat, Joint Director Jkst&Ic and Prof. (Dr)Adnan Abubakr , HoD, Division of AEM.
Dr. Adnan Abubakr gave a program briefing, while the Dean formally welcomed the guests, teachers, students and participants. Saurabh Bhagat, Commissioner Secretary JKDST who was guest of Honour, gave a key note speech about the funding mechanisms of jkdst, their success stories and opportunities for researchers to work with jkdst for their innovative research ideas. He impressed upon the scientific community to work on rejuvenation of lakes and waste management issues.
He deliberated that he would work to provide opportunities to SKUAST-K scientists for availing R&D projects and establishments of centre of excellence from JKST&IC on a high pace against 24 projects already sanctioned to the institution.
The Chief Guest of the function Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K, Professor Nazir Ahmad Ganai, in his address admired the organizers for conducting this workshop and inspired the students and scientists to conduct innovative research to contribute to society and science. On the occasion prizes and certificates were distributed to 1st, 2nd and 3rd winners of the debating competition by Chief guest and guest of Honour in presence of other dignitaries.
A keynote lecture on the strategies adopted for saving Dal Lake, restoring its water quality and rehabilitating its banks was delivered in online mode by the Vice Chairman of LCMA, Dr. Bashir Ahmad Bhat before the august gathering of scientists and students of the faculty followed by the interactive Q&A session. He also spoke about the achievements of LCMA in rehabilitating the various lake sites and its beautification in the periphery and catchment.
At the end, organizing secretary, Dr. Imtiyaz Qayoom delivered a formal vote of thanks to all dignitaries, sponsoring and collaborative agencies and all who worked for the success of this program.