9th September is celebrated as ‘Himalaya Diwas’ across the State of Uttarakhand to spread the message of conservation of the Himalayan ecosystems.
This was an initiative taken by a group of noted environmentalists and activists including Shri. Sunder Lal Bahuguna, Shri. Anil Joshi and Smt. Radha Behan in 2010. ‘Himalayan Day’ is celebrated to spread the message that solutions for sustainable development and ecological stability for the Himalayas must be as unique as the Himalayan ecosystem itself. The Himalayas possesses unique flora and fauna which must be treated differently. Himalayas is a symbol of purity and has a significant social, spiritual, economic and public health impact on the nation and the world.
The Himalayas are currently undergoing rapid change, in terms of ecology as well as the human settlements they support. The major challenges being faced by the Himalayas are increasing population, rampant urbanisation, unchecked deforestation, melting of glaciers and the like.
Ecological disruptions are rapidly triggering disasters in the area. Most of the developmental activities, such as the construction of roads, establishment of hydroelectric projects are being planned and implemented without giving any due importance to this eco-sensitive zone. Therefore there is a need to strike a balance between conservation and development, and understand and respect the fragility of the mountains. It is the collective responsibility of every section of the society to protect the Himalayas.
The Environmental Club, Eco-cops of Uttaranchal University organized a collage Making Competition to celebrate the day. The theme of the collage making competition was “The Science of Himalayas”.
The students prepared beautiful posters depicting the formation of Himalayas, its unique flora and fauna and the medicinal potential of the Himalayas.
The event was organized by Dr. Bharti Ramola, Coordinator of the Club and judged by Prof. (Dr.) Ajay Singh, President of the Club and Dr. Poonam Negi, Secretary of the Club.
The winners of the event were as follows:
1st Prize : Mohamadu Tzzaman &Ravindra Kumar Kachhap Oraon [B.Sc. (Hons.) Biotechnology, II Year, SALS]
2nd Prize : Ritu Thakur [M.Sc. (Chemistry) II Year, SALS] & Isha Riyal [M.Sc.(IC) II Year, SALS]
