A National Conference on “Sustainable Srinagar: Building Resilience in Fragile Ecosystems” was held at Amar Singh College in Srinagar. The conference was organized under the framework of Mission Viksit Bharat 2047 and was sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), Government of India. The event aimed to discuss the ecological challenges facing Srinagar and explore ways to build resilience in the city’s fragile ecosystems.
The conference featured a presentation by Faiz Ahmad Bakshi, Convener of the Environmental Policy Group (EPG), who spoke on “Srinagar’s Ecology in the Regional Context of Kashmir.” Bakshi emphasized the need to view Srinagar’s environmental issues within the larger regional context of Kashmir and highlighted the urgency of preserving natural ecosystems. He also stressed the importance of integrating sustainability into urban planning to address the ecological challenges facing the city.
The event was attended by students, faculty members, and several notable dignitaries, including government officials, academicians, and civil society representatives. The attendees included Shantmanu, Financial Commissioner & Additional Chief Secretary, J&K; Prof. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Director Colleges, Higher Education Department, J&K; and Prof. Seema Naaz, Nodal Principal, Kashmir Division Colleges, among others.
The conference provided a platform for discussions and debates on the environmental challenges facing Srinagar and the need for sustainable development. The event organizers hoped that the conference would contribute to the development of a sustainable and resilient Srinagar, and that the discussions and recommendations would inform policy decisions and actions to protect the city’s fragile ecosystems.
The conference was a significant step towards raising awareness about the importance of sustainable development and environmental conservation in Srinagar. It highlighted the need for a collective effort to address the ecological challenges facing the city and to build a sustainable future for its inhabitants. The event was a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to come together and discuss ways to promote sustainability and resilience in Srinagar, and to work towards a better future for the city and its people.