Pahalgam, Mar 27:  Expressing concern over the construction activity in the fragile ecology of Pahalgam, the vice-chancellor of Kashmir University, Prof Reyaz Punjabi Saturday called for striking a balance between the developmental activities and environment concerns.
 “We have to strike a balance between developmental activities and environment preservation and stop unplanned constructions otherwise the day would not be far away when our natural resources will vanish,” Prof Punjabi said at a workshop on ‘Integrated and Sustainable Development of Lidder Valley’ organised by KU in collaboration with Pahalgam Development Authority.
 Pointing out that the human interference was more responsible for the changing climate in valley than the global factors, he said:  “The global factors do affect the changing climate in valley but the human activities are mostly responsible for the ecological imbalance and climate change.”
 Assuring its support to PDA, Prof Punjabi said, “The University of Kashmir is well equipped and department of Geology and Geo- Physics has conducted an extensive study on the Lidder valley.  Now the job is of the stakeholders and user agencies to implement it  and the University will encourage collaborative kind of research and dialogue.”
 He stressed on the revision of master plan of Pahalgam, which he said has many flaws.
 “I don’t know whether the mistakes are deliberate or not, but then they should not be repeated and the government should go for its revision,” said Punjabi.
 Speaking on the occasion, the Principal Secretary to Governor and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, R K Goel apprised about the efforts of the board in protecting the environment.
 He said the board was adopting scientific methods for dumping of non bio-degradable wastes on way to the Amarnath Cave during the Yatra.
 The Chief Executive officer PDA, Abdul Waheed Tak sought the support of Pahalgam villagers in protecting the environment.
 He also stressed on the revision of master plan of Pahalgam.
 Ear lier, head department of Geo-physics and Geology, KU Dr Shakeel Ahmad Romshoo, dwelt on the study conducted on Lidder valley.
 Assistant professor of Department of Geology and Geo-physics Dr Ghulam Jeelani presented the vote of thanks.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 27 Mar 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 27 Mar 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 28 Mar 2010 00:00:00 IST