AP Governor calls for balanced harnessing of natural resources

Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Nirbhay Sharma today exhorted scientists to find ways and means to address the challenges posed by the climate change and at the same time explore methods for balanced harnessing of the abundant natural resources.
Inaugurating a conference 'Climate Change and Natural Resources Development Strategies: Mountain Risks Management and Governance' at Rajiv Gandhi University here, Sharma said that industrialisation and lifestyle of the people have caused a huge surge in green house gas emission and the green environment, which absorbs the green house gas and checks its effects, is being reduced.
"Geologists and environmentalists have a crucial role in studying and analysing the causes, mechanisms and impacts of such geo-hazards and explore ways to mitigate or reduce it," he emphasised and suggested a special focus has to be on earthquakes, flood, droughts, wildfires, groundwater, coastal flooding and tsunamis.

Sharma called for developing scientific and eco friendly ways to ensure that we harness our natural resources but at the same time preserve the green cover.
Geologically, he said, Arunachal Pradesh is a lesser- known region. Mountains in the state are young and the region is prone to earthquake and at the same time experiences very heavy rainfall.
"Alongside many developmental projects are coming up in the region and many more are in the pipeline," he disclosed and appealed to the Indian Geological Congress to suggest on the design of roads, bridges, tunnels and dams with a geological perspective.

Sharma expressed hope that during the three-day conference, which is coupled with the 19th Convention of Indian Geological Congress, in-depth discussion and deliberation, be conducted on the issues pertaining to hilly states.

"I will be very happy if your ideas and findings are shared with state government. It will help in putting policies in place to alleviate such situations, if they arise," he said.
President of Indian Geological Congress, Sachidanandda Rath, Director (Operations), Oil India Limited spoke on climate change and energy security.
While stressing on innovative ideas to mitigate challenges, Rath said that a better collaboration of industry and academia can only ensure that relevant and faster skill development.