Arunachal Governor BD Mishra inaugurated the 3-day 40th Geography Congress of India, on the theme ‘On Climate Variability, Vulnerability and Resource management – Strategies for sustainable Development and Geospatial Technologies’ at Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Doimukh on Monday.
In his inaugural address, the Governor expressed his concerns about climate variability, vulnerability of living being from natural calamities and indiscreet exploitation of natural resources. He called upon the geographers to develop strategies for conservation of the flora, fauna and natural environment.
Citing examples of recent floods, climate variation, pollution, the Governor appealed to the geographers to debate and educate the policymakers, common citizen and the younger generation about the importance of living in harmony with the nature.
The Governor suggested that the first step towards conservation should be for responsible management of natural resources, such as water, soil, forest, herbs, wood and other animates to prevent the undue pressure from the human population on Mother Earth.
Reminding the people of Article Part IV–A of The Constitution, i.e. Fundamental Duties, Sub Article (g) to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wild-life and to have compassion for living creatures; the Governor said that it is duty of every citizen to safe guard the nature.
Stating that with scientific advancement, human beings are moving away from nature, the Governor said that the natural resources are misused and exploited in disproportionate manner. Indigenous ways to coexist with nature is being overlooked. Our new scientific researches and works must be for developing the best ways and methods to conserve the nature, he stressed.
Earlier, the Governor presented the Lifetime Achievement Award of National Associations of Geographers, India to Dr. G. Ravi Shankar, Head, Land use and Monitoring Division, NRSC, ISRO, Govt. of India, Hyderabad. He also released the Abstract Book of 40th Geography Congress of India on the occasion.
The Vice Chancellor, Rajiv Gandhi University Prof. Saket Kushwaha, President, National Associations of Geographers, India (NAGI) Prof. Prithvish Nag, President, NAGI (Elect) Prof. N.C. Gautam, Joint Secretary, NAGI Dr. AK Saha, Prof R.B. Singh, Secretary General, International Geographical Union, RGU Registrar Prof. Tomo Riba, Head of Department (Geography), RGU Prof. Kiran Kumari and 40th Geography Congress Convenor Prof. NC Singh also spoke on the occasion.
More than 500 geographers, including 396 from different parts of India are participating in the 3-day Congress.
