Srinagar, May 25: ‘Green Solutions J&K’, a conference intended to address the problems concerning the environment in J&K and to come up with the solutions to ensure the sustainable development in the region, was inaugurated today by Surjit Singh Salathia, Minister of Industry and Commerce at SKICC here.
 This national event which is considered to be the first of its kind in the country makes an effort to overcome the challenges and problems that are confronted by the industrialists and the ecosystem in the state.
 The conference is being organized by the Federation Chamber of industries Kashmir in association with Indian Youth Climate Network.
 Giving the background of the conference Shakeel Qalandar, President Federation Chamber of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) said that the conference will make an effort to get viewpoint from various people from local communities, industry, academicians, representatives on issues like solid waste management, biodiversity, sustainable economy of J&K, ecotourism, renewable energies, energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture etc,
 “We have ensured the government viewpoint should also come to the front for which we have invited the people at helm so that they can record the proceedings and formulate their policies accordingly,” he said.
  “All the solutions and the concerns that will be generated from these discussions will be recorded and presented to the Chief Minister on the last day of the event i.e. 27th May for the consideration. The record with not only be for the government and policy makers but also for the entrepreneurs, NGOs and the locals,” he added.
 Qalandar said that the main reason for which they hold this event was to create awareness among the people about the environment concerns and industries.
 Speaking on the occasion Lal Chand Sharma, Chairman J&K Pollution Control Board said that it was a good initiative from FCIK to address the vital issue regarding the environment and industries.
 “If we talk of industrial development our state is very backward if compared to other states of the country. Also we have a very fragile ecology in the entire Himalaya. I think these discussions are beneficial not only for industrial development and ecological protection but will also help the government to formulate its policies in an enhanced way.”
 Jaleel Ahmad Khan, Economic Advisor to J&K Government on the inaugural function said that such discussion are very important to be held as the state is currently in a process of economic reconstruction. He said J&K was the late starter of the industries in the whole country.
 “We started industries after 1972 when Sheikh Abdullah invited the investors from outside to establish industries here. It was aimed to build the infrastructure here and also to create interest in youth of the state for industries,” he said.
  “But unfortunately in past 18 years we faced turmoil which affected the industry.”
 He said that the government is planning to give 1 lakh jobs in private sector to the youth in the Valley under Sheri Kashmir Employment and Welfare scheme for youth. “It will happen in the PPP mode by the next year. This way we should also be able to create fast eco revival in the state,” he said

Lastupdate on : Tue, 25 May 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 25 May 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 IST