Advisor to Lt Governor Farooq Ahmed Khan today stressed on the need for achieving the goal of green economy for the betterment of environment and sustainable livelihood of future generations.He was speaking at the inaugural function of 20-days training programme on ‘Bird identification & Basic Ornithology’ organized by Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA) under the “Green Skill Development Programme” of Ministry of Forest, Environment and Climate Change at Institute of Hotel Management Rajbagh here.The Programme was attended by Chief Executive Director WUCMA/ CCF Kashmir Farooq Geelani, Director Sanctuary Nature Foundation Dr Parvesh Pandeya, Wildlife Warden Kashmir Rashid Naqash, Coordinator WUCMA Irfan Rasool and other senior officers of the forest department.The Advisor said that at present the human society stands at an important crossroad and the path we take from hereon will not only determine our wellbeing but also that of the future generations.The Advisor during his address said Government is committed for the overall development of J&K, for a better future.
He added that Green Skill Development Institute has been launched by the GOI for skill development of about 7 million youth in Environment, Forestry, Wildlife and Climate Change sectors by 2021. “It will prepare youth for green jobs that contribute towards preserving and restoring the quality of environment in the country. J&K has a rich diversity of flora and fauna besides being a tourist place, the opportunities for the youth are manifold. The youth after getting properly trained can earn a better livelihood and also help in preserving the natural environment and biodiversity,” he said.Earlier the Advisor planted a deodar sapling in the campus of Hotel Management Institute as part of the Green J&K drive launched by the Forest Department.CCF Kashmir highlighted the steps being taken by the Government for preservation of the Wular Lake and for restoring its lost glory. He added that Forest Department through Directorate of Environment, Ecology & Remote Sensing is organising more such training programmes on the topics including waste management and pollution monitoring-Air and Water Pollution during the current year.Director Sanctuary Nature Foundation Dr Parvesh Pandeya advocated for responsible and sustainable tourism in J&K.