- Indian Himalayan University & Indian Army plan to save Himalayas
- Uttarakhand’s Himalayan university & Indian Army to work together to prevent ecological disasters.
25 Feb Sat ( Srinagar)
HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar, premier central university providing quality research & education and the world’s oldest Ecological Task Force 127 Infantry Battalion ( Territorial Army) Garhwal Rifles have come together to save the fragile Himalayan ecology, safeguarding the environment and provide long-term solutions with involvement of local communities to reverse the migration of youth.
Memorandum of Understanding ( MOU) was signed between both university and Eco Task Force. The MOU was signed by Registrar Prof N S Panwar HNB Garhwal University, at Srinagar, Garhwal Uttarakhand and Col Rohit Srivastav Commanding Officer 127 Eco Task Force, Garhi Cantt, Dehradun at 1030-1100 on 25 Feb 2023 in presence of Honorable Vice Chancellor Prof. Annpurna Nautiyal
HEMVATI NANDAN BAHUGUNA GARHWAL UNIVERSITY.
The degradation of the Himalayan forests has been linked to environmental problems and livelihoods of millions of people. Forest degradation has been held responsible for increased landslides and soil erosion leading to the damage of the Himalayan agro-economy, loss of livelihoods and outmigration of the locals.HNB Garhwal University has been relentlessly for “One Himalaya” and research and innovation with a human face and ETF most dedicated force together will bring outstanding results.
The present decline of Himalayan forests has also led to the drying up of numerous perennial springs. In order to counter this problem, initiatives such as reforestation with integrated renewal of degraded watersheds is the need of the hour.
Local communities depend on forest resources for subsistence living. They express that limited options for livelihood and declining productivity of agriculture threaten food security and induce migration.
They have emphasized the need to equip local institutions with necessary capacities which will work for resource creation based on forest goods and services. They think that agriculture, fodder, livestock, and water availability are dependent on forests; hence a systemic intervention is needed to restore forests.
The MOU will remain in force for period of two years and achieve following objectives
In the present case, the need of collaboration between two institutions which are already working with the local communities to safeguard and sustainability of natural resources is well justified.
Prof RC Bhatt PRO VC, Prof RC Sundriyal, Director, IQAC, Lieutenant Colonel Shrihari Kugaji Company Commander of the companies working in Kashyali village Yamakeshwar block Pauri District along with Non Commissioned Officers of Eco Task Force were present at the function held at HNB Garhwal University campus Srinagar,
