As part of the celebration of Himalayan Day-2025, Extension Division, ICFRE-Forest Research Institute, Dehradun organized a webinar on the theme “Climate-induced Geological Disasters in the Himalaya and their remediation.” The online presentation was delivered by Dr. Kalachand Sain (Rtd), Former Director, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun.

At the outset, Ms. Richa Misra, IFS, Head, Extension Division, Forest Research Institute, welcomed all participants. In her welcome address, she highlighted that the Himalayas are the origin of many rivers like Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra, the lifelines of people settled in the river basins. She stressed that dependence on Himalayan eco-systems for survival and livelihood has been creating alarming situations due to over-exploitation of natural resources and anthropogenic pressures, leading to earthquakes, floods and droughts.

Following the welcome, Dr. Renu Singh, IFS, Director, ICFRE-Forest Research Institute, Dehradun delivered the inaugural address. She emphasized that the Himalayas are not only a source of strength but also a global heritage demanding preservation. Citing examples of calamities in Darali and other places of Uttarakhand, she underlined the moral duty to protect the Himalayan ecosystem for sustaining nature and human life.

 

 

During the technical session, Dr. Kalachand Sain explained that the Himalayan ecosystem has become fragile due to global warming, climate change and human disturbance. Indicators such as melting glaciers, upward shifting of snowline and tree line are destabilizing the ecosystem and causing natural disasters like floods, droughts and landslides. He recommended systematic planning, strategies and strong monitoring systems to safeguard the Himalayan ecosystem.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Charan Singh, Scientist-F, Extension Division, ICFRE-FRI. The event was attended by about 70 participants including officers and scientists of ICFRE-FRI, sister organizations, other institutes, and students of FRI Deemed to be University, Dehradun and other universities. All team members including Shri Rambir Singh, Scientist-E and supporting staff of Extension Division contributed towards the successful conduct of the programme.

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