Develop strategies to conserve nature, environment: Governor
RONO HILLS, Oct 29: Governor BD Mishra called upon the country’s geographers to develop strategies for conservation of flora, fauna, and the natural environment.
He said this in his inaugural speech at the three-day 40th Geography Congress of India, on the theme ‘On climate variability, vulnerability and resource management – Strategies for sustainable development and geospatial technologies’, at Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) here on Monday.
Mishra expressed concern over climate variability, the vulnerability of living beings to natural calamities, and indiscreet exploitation of natural resources. Citing examples of recent floods, climate variation and pollution, he urged the geographers to debate and educate the policymakers, the common citizens and the younger generation about the importance of living in harmony with nature.
“The first step towards conservation should be for responsible management of natural resources, such as water, soil, forest, herbs, wood, and other animates to prevent undue pressure from the human population on Mother Earth,” he said.
Reminding the people of their fundamental duty to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures, the governor said it is the duty of every citizen to safeguard nature.
“With scientific advancement, human beings are moving away from nature,” he lamented. “The natural resources are misused and exploited in a disproportionate manner, and indigenous ways to coexist with nature are being overlooked.”
He said new scientific researches and activities should be aimed at developing the best ways and methods to conserve nature.
Earlier, the governor presented the lifetime achievement award of the National Associations of Geographers, India (NAGI) to Dr G Ravi Shankar, head of the land use & monitoring division of the ISRO’s NRSC. Mishra also released the Abstract Book of 40th Geography Congress of India on the occasion.
RGU Vice Chancellor Prof Saket Kushwaha, NAGI president Prof Prithvish Nag, NAGI president-elect Prof NC Gautam, NAGI joint secretary Dr AK Saha, International Geographical Union secretary general Prof RB Singh, RGU Registrar Prof Tomo Riba, RGU’s Geography HoD Prof Kiran Kumari, and 40th Geography Congress convenor Prof NC Singh also spoke.
More than 500 geographers, including 396 from different parts of India, are participating in the three-day congress. (Raj Bhavan)
