Peoples’ Environmental Council (PEC), a Srinagar-based group of subject matter specialists and concerned citizens in collaboration with the University of Kashmir (KU) organised a webinar on ‘Air Quality in Kashmir: Status, Source, and Implications’ on Sunday.
A statement of PEC issued here said Vice Chancellor (VC) University of Kashmir (KU) Prof Talat Ahmad was the chief guest of the webinar.
It said that Prof Talat in his opening remarks deliberated on the deteriorating air quality of Kashmir valley as witnessed by him during his two tenures as KU’s VC.
“Prof Talatemphasised the need for an integrated approach involving experts across the relevant disciplines to scientifically address the issues. The VC appreciated the role of PEC for organising a webinar on this important subject of air pollution and offered continuous support to PEC for similar activities,” the statement said.
It said the webinar was chaired by the Chairman PEC and retired IFS officer, G H Kango and co-chaired by Prof A R Yousuf, Chair Webinar Organising Committee of PEC.
The statement said PEC member and former Director Finance and Audit J&K government, QaziShugufta was the rapporteur of the webinar that was hosted by senior Assistant Professor KU, Arshid Jahangir and moderated by Convenor PEC SakibQadri. Spokesperson PEC TanveerJahan presented the vote of thanks.
It said that the webinar featured five technical presentations ‘Seasonality and Sources of Particulate Pollution in Kashmir’ by Dean Research KU, Prof ShakilRomshoo; ‘Hazardous Effects of Air Pollution on Health of People’ by Professor and Head Pulmonary and Internal Medicine, Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, DrParvaizKoul; ‘Air Pollution in Kashmir – Perspective and Challenges before Pollution Control Board’ by Regional Director, Kashmir, J&K State Pollution Control Board, Rafi Ahmad Bhat, and ‘Air Quality and Air Pollution – Health Impact Assessment Modelling in Srinagar’ by Senior Health and Safety Officer, Sheikh Shakbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi TavoosHasanBhat.
The statement said that people from different parts of the world participated in the webinar.
It said post technical sessions, a question and answer interactive session between the participants, presenters, and organisers took place.
It said that the recommendations of the webinar would be submitted to the authorities soon.