Two-day international Dialogue on Himalayan Ecology begins

Chandigarh, January 28, 2017: The second international Dialogue on Himalayan Ecology being hosted by Chandigarh- based Dialogue Highway Trust in collaboration with the department of Environment Sciences of Panjab University kicked-off today at the golden Jubilee Hall, Panjab University. Dialogue Highway Trust which has alliance with an international body Dialogues on humanity in France is extensively working on the alternative ways of life. Experts gathered at the two-day international dialogue on Himalayas stressed on evaluating economic cost of ecological systems. Justice Swatanter Kumar, Chairman, National Green Tribunal, New Delhi who was the chief guest on the occasion deliberated on the various aspects on the Himalayan ecology.
While addressing the gathering, Swatanter Kumaar said, “It has been inherent in our consciousness for hundreds of years. The effect of excessive traffic can be felt in Manali which has become hotter in last few years. I had to take a tough decision of stopping flow of tourists to Rohtang in Himachal Pradesh as it affects the entire eco system. Apart from this, around 500 trees were chopped- off to make a multi storeyed building at Tara Devi adjacent to Shimla. Taking a stringent action, I ensured that the project gets halted completely. I am examining if those who cut 500 trees could be sent to jail even after they have paid penalties”.
He called upon the youth not love nature but care for the nature. Besides, he invited the youth and teachers and experts to attend the upcoming international conference on ecology at Delhi which is expected to be held on 25-26 March which will see the participation of 1400 delegates from 82 countries.
At this forum, the Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University, Dr Arun Grover proposed to build a consortium of universities of north-west region to strengthen the research work on ecology. Dialogue Highway founder trustee Devinder Sharma, while delivering the keynote address, stressed upon the need of calculating the exact cost of the every national activity which contributes to the GDP. He gave an example of Green Warrior, Ramaiah who received Padma Shri for planting one crore saplings. If we calculate the economic value of one tree then we will get to know the total economic wealth created by him, Devinder said.
Adding to it, the Director, Institute for Development and Communication, Chandigarh, Dr Parmod Kumar said that it was tough to assess the real value of our ecology in market driven globalisation but some concrete steps should be taken in this regard. He also suggested on creation of knowledge hubs which can push the policy-makers to take stern actions. Afterwards, technical sessions were held where experts talked about ecosystem services and its benefits.