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Call to preserve NE biodiversity in science fest

By KALYAN BAROOAH

KOLKATA, Nov 7 - The fifth edition of the India International Science Festival here on Thursday gave a clarion call to develop science and technology to preserve and protect the rich biodiversity of the northeastern states.

The North East Students Conclave at the science festival saw speakers underlining the urgent need to protect the rich biodiversity in the region. The theme of the event was �Bio Diversity in North Eastern Region for Sustainable Development�.

Eminent scientist Sandepan Dhar said in the Northeast there are 605 forests and �it is high time to join hands to conserve the rich biodiversity for future generation.�

Addressing the conclave, Vijnana Bharati organising secretary Jayant Sahasrabudhe said that climate change is a major threat. �The Northeast is the most prestigious hotspot of biodiversity and we have to protect and preserve the biodiversity,� he said.

�Let us preserve and conserve the biodiversity and develop science and technology to save the biodiversity,� he added.

In his address, Manipur Education Minister Thocksom Radhey Shyam also underscored the need to conserve the biodiversity.

Director General of the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR), Dr Arun Kumar Sharma said there are lots of opportunities to explore the Northeast. He also lauded increasing interest among students to study science.

He also cited an instance of a student from Arunachal Pradesh developing goggles for the blind. The product was little heavy and a big company is now engaged in developing it further for commercial sale, he said.

Meanwhile, on the third day of the IISF, sessions and symposiums on the applied areas of science and technology were organised. Huge and enthusiastic participation of students, young officials and budding scientists during the programmes added to the excitement of the science festival.

In a session on Health Research Conclave, discussions ranged from multitude of topics, including genetic structure, molecular composition in human structure and chemical reactions in genomes, among others.

Others sessions included Women Scientists and Entrepreneurs Conclave, Young Scientists Conference, North East Students Conclave and Vigyanika Science Literature Fest. The sessions delved into applied areas of science and technology and how to make it easily accessible to the common people.

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