BHADERWAH: One week National workshop cum Faculty Development Programme on 'Techniques for Wildlife Monitoring in the Himalayas,' was inaugurated in Bhaderwah today.  The workshop is being organised by Institute of Mountain Environment, Bhaderwah Campus in collaboration with Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre (MMTTC), University of Jammu.  

Prof. Rahul Gupta, Registrar, University of Jammu, the Chief Guest in the inaugural function lauded the efforts of Institute of Mountain Environment in organising such scientific outreach programmes on issues of significant concern. He appreciated the participation of faculty members and researchers across different states and hoped that the workshop will meet the desired objectives.  

Prof J P Singh Joorel Rector, Bhaderwah Campus in his remarks highlighted the significance of such workshops especially in the sectors which are important to all the stakeholders. He highlighted the issue and concerns the Himalayas are facing and invited the participation of common masses in addressing those. He complimented the Institute of Mountain Environment and urged the researchers to map the hitherto lesser studied mountain flora and fauna of the region.  

Dr. M.K Kumar (IFS), Chief Conservator of Forests, Jammu in his keynote address highlighted the importance of monitoring wildlife for conservation planning and management and emphasized that such workshops pave way for the researchers and conservationists to better understand the correct protocols and analytical methods.  

Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Head IME and Organizing Secretary while introducing the theme highlighted the importance of monitoring and emphasised that careful consideration is given to the design and analysis of monitoring programs before substantial investment is made on their implementation and data collection. The purpose of the workshop is to provide the participant trainees with an appreciation of range of methods, techniques, and tools available for the assessment and monitoring of wild mammals, birds, and butterflies, he added. About 50 participants across different states and union territories of India are participating in this week long workshop.  

Those present among others included Mr. Chandrashekhar, Wildlife Warden (Chenab), Sh. Vijay Kumar, DFO Kishtwar, Sh. Majad Bashir, Director FPF, Heads of different departments of Bhaderwah Campus including Dr. Jatinder Manhas, Dr. Rakesh Sharma, Dr. Chhering Tandup, Mohd. Avais , faculty members from different departments, Assistant Registrar, Bhaderwah Campus and members of non-teaching staff. Formal vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Chhering Tandup, Head Geography, IME. The proceedings were conducted by Ms. Vandana Dutt and Nitika Khullar.  

Two technical sessions were held on day one, where Dr. M.K Kumar deliberated on Human Wildlife conflicts and the their preventive strategies with special reference to Jammu and Kashmir. Dr. Koustubh Sharma, Director, Science and Conservation, Snow Leopard Trust, Kyrgystan talked about PAWS case to the basics of sampling.