ITANAGAR, Nov 27 � Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen Nirbhay Sharma (Retd) has called upon scientists to find the �best scientific ways and means� to address the challenges posed by climate change and at the same time, explore methods for balanced harnessing of the abundant natural resources.
Inaugurating a three-day international conference on �Climate Change & Natural Resources Development Strategies: Mountain Risks Management and Governance� at Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills (Doimukh) today, the Governor said that industrialisation and lifestyle of the people have caused a huge surge in green house gas emission and the green environment, which absorbs the green house gas and checks its effects, is being reduced.
Geologists and environmentalists have a crucial role in studying and analysing the causes, mechanisms and impacts of such geo-hazards and explore ways to mitigate it, he said and suggested that special focus has to be on earthquakes, floods, droughts, wildfires, groundwater, coastal flooding and tsunamis.
The Governor also called for developing scientific and eco- friendly ways to ensure that �we harness our natural resources but at the same time preserve the green cover�.
Further pointing that climate change and challenging topography adds mammoth obscurity to the development process in the State with the region being prone to earthquake with many developmental projects coming up and many more in the pipeline, he urged the Indian Geological Congress to suggest on the design of roads, bridges, tunnels and dams with a geological perspective.
The Governor expressed hope that during the three-day conference, which is coupled with the 19th Convention of Indian Geological Congress, in-depth discussion will be conducted on the issues pertaining to hilly States.
�Your intellectual capital has to be invested out in the field for the good of mankind in general and States like Arunachal Pradesh in particular. I will be very happy if your ideas and findings are shared with State Government. It will help in putting policies in place to alleviate such situations, if they arise,� he added.
In his address, president of Indian Geological Congress, Sachidananda Rath, Director (Operations), Oil India Limited spoke on climate change and energy security.
While stressing on innovative ideas to mitigate challenges, Rath said that a better collaboration of industry and academia can only ensure relevant and faster skill development. He informed that Arunachal Pradesh is one of the key areas for future of hydrocarbon industry.
Among others, RGU Vice Chancellor Prof Tamo Mibang, Executive President, Indian Geological Congress Prof OP Verma and Secretary IGC, Prof VKS Dave also spoke on the occasion.
