“HIMALAYAN ENVIRONMENT IN CHANGING CLIMATE SCENARIO”

International Conference “HIMALAYAN ENVIRONMENT IN CHANGING CLIMATE SCENARIO” (HECCS-2023) 19 - 22 September 2023 Venue: Conference Hall, Hotel Grand Dragon, Leh Press Release. Date-22nd September 2023 The four-day International Conference on "Himalayan Environment in Changing Climate Scenario," which took place from September 19th to 22nd September 2023, at Dragon Hotel in Leh, concluded on 22nd September 2023. The Valedictory function, held in the evening of 22nd September 2023 was attended by esteemed guests and dignitaries, including Prof. S K Mehta, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ladakh, Dr. O P Chaurasia, Director of DIHAR, Dr. Prantik Mandal from CSIR National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad, Prof Vinod Chhokar from GJUS&T, Hisar, Prof (Dr.) Marcus Nuesser from Heidelberg University, Germany, and D. PK Garg, GB Pant Institute. The event began with the Honorable Vice Chancellor of the University of Ladakh, Prof. S K Mehta, felicitating the guests with traditional khataks and mementos. Following this, Dr. Quatsia Tabassum, the Joint Organizing Secretary of the conference, presented a brief report on the four-day international conference. Dr. Prantik Mandal, from CSIR National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad, addressed the audience and emphasized the importance of the Himalayan ecosystem and the need for collective action to protect this vulnerable environment. He expressed gratitude to Prof. S K Mehta, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ladakh, for the support and hospitality, as well as the organizing committee for their instrumental work in ensuring the conference's success. Prof (Dr.) Marcus Nuesser from Heidelberg University, Germany, then discussed the various themes explored during the conference and their significance. He thanked Prof S K Mehta, Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh, and the organizing committees for their contributions to making the conference fruitful. Next, Prof Vinod Chhokar from GJUS&T, Hisar, highlighted the importance of the theme Himalayan Environment and its fragility. He stressed the need to explore and develop policies to preserve this ecosystem in the face of global challenges. Prof Chhokar extended his thanks to Prof S K Mehta, Prof. A K Sharma, Dr. Sonam Wangmo, Convener of the conference, and Dr. Subrat Sharma for the conference's success. This was followed by a remark by Dr. P K Garg who expressed his gratitude to all the guests, speakers, organizing committee members, and individuals who attended the concluding session of the four-day international conference. He also thanked the University of Ladakh for allowing the GB Pant Institute to host a one-day technical session with 17 keynote speakers discussing various Himalayan Environment-related themes. Prof. S K Mehta, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ladakh, addressed the gathering and shared insights into the collaborative efforts of various institutes in organizing the conference. He emphasized the importance of collective action in making the conference successful and thanked the organizing committee, especially Dr. Sonam Wangmo, Convener of the Conference, Dr. Subrat Sharma, and Dr. Quatsia Tabassum, for their contributions. Prof. Mehta also highlighted the University of Ladakh's achievements, including the signing of 45 MOUs with leading institutes in India and abroad. Professor Mehta holds great optimism that this partnership will enable students and faculty from the University of Ladakh to embark on enriching visits to these institutions, providing them with invaluable exposure and guidance in their respective fields. Furthermore, Professor Mehta highlighted a significant achievement by the University of Ladakh: the successful organization of a five-day ISRO exhibition at Lamdon School. This event provided students from diverse schools and institutes in Ladakh with the opportunity to explore various facets of space-related subjects. Professor Mehta also revealed an exciting development in collaboration with ISRO, as they are set to establish a Joint Centre within the University of Ladakh. He specifically mentioned the transformative project, LAMA, which he believes will not only benefit the University but also have a profound impact on Ladakh as a whole. Professor S K Mehta expressed his aspiration to elevate the University of Ladakh to a position of prominence as a leading research institution. Chief Guest Dr. O P Chaurasia, Director of DIHAR, underscored the significance of the Himalayan Environment and commended the conference theme. He discussed the region's diverse flora and fauna, the government's goals for organic farming and carbon neutrality, and expressed his gratitude to the University of Ladakh for organizing the conference. Dr. Chaurasia praised the co-organizers and concluded by giving a standing ovation to VC S K Mehta. This was followed by vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Sonam Wangmo, Convener of the four-day international conference and she expressed her sincere gratitude to Dr. O P Chaurisia, Prof S K Mehta, and all the other guest for joining hands in making this conference a successful one. She also expressed her sincere thanks to Brig. (Dr.) Shri B.D. Mishra (Retd.) Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, Ladakh UT & Chancellor, University of Ladakh, Shri Tsering Angchuk, Hon’ble Dy. Chairman/Dy. CEC, LAHDC Leh, Dr. Pawan Kotwal, IAS, Pro-Chancellor, University of Ladakh & Advisor, to Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, Ladakh UT, Prof. (Dr.) Talat Ahmad, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun, Dr. I.D. Bhat, G. B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Almora, Dr. Prantik Mandal CSIR - National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad, Dr Anil Gupta, National Institute of Disaster Management, New Delhi, Dr. O.P. Mishra, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India for sparing their valuable time and sharing their wisdom. Dr. Sonam thanked all the delegates and speakers who shared their insights on various topics during the four-day international conference. A special thank was also expressed to Registrar A K Sharma for his support and a special thank was expressed to Dr Subrat Sharma, Dr. Qutsia Tabsaau, faculty and students of the University of Ladakh for the successful conduct of the conference. Dr. Sonam also thanked the Hotel Grand Dragon and their staffs for the warm hospitality and service for the last four-days. At last, Dr. Sonam thanked the various co-organizers of the conference including Heidelberg University, Germany, GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Almora, National Institute of Disaster Management, New Delhi, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun, CSIR, National Geophysical CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad and Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar for making this conference successful by providing all the contribution and necessary assistance. The valedictory function ended with a cultural performance by University of Ladakh students, followed by final thanks from moderator Ms. Tsultim Zangmo, University of Ladakh.