Two-Day National Workshop on Human–Environment Interactions in Indian Himalayas Begins at Bhaderwah Campus, University of Jammu

BHADERWAH: A two-day national workshop on “Human–Environment Interactions in the Indian Himalayas amid Climate Change” was organized by the Department of Earth Sciences, Institute of Mountain Environment, Bhaderwah Campus, University of Jammu in collaboration with PGDAV College, University of Delhi, ARPA Opportunity Foundation (New Delhi), Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (Regional Centre J&K), and EARTH.

The workshop aims to deliberate on the growing environmental challenges and changing dynamics of the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) in the backdrop of climate change and its impact on human livelihood, ecology, and sustainable development.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Pyare Singh, senior citizen and social worker, the Chief Guest of the inaugural session, shared valuable insights on the changing landscape of the Himalayan region based on his 75 years of lived experience, highlighting the visible environmental transformations witnessed over the decades.

Dr Chhering Tandup, Coordinator of the workshop and In-charge Head, Department of Geography, welcomed the participants and highlighted the ongoing climate crisis in the Indian Himalayan Region. He emphasized the urgent need for interdisciplinary dialogue and collaborative efforts to understand the changing environmental dynamics of the Himalayas.

Dr Pardeep, Organizing Secretary from PGDAV College, University of Delhi, elaborated on the significance of the workshop and introduced the major themes of the workshop, emphasizing the importance of academic discussions and community engagement in addressing climate challenges.

The keynote lecture was delivered by Dr Anwesha Borthakur, Humboldt Fellow at the Rachel Carson Center for Environment and Society, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, who spoke extensively on climate crises in the Indian Himalayan Region and across the globe. She pointed out that the region is currently facing four major challenges—rapid urbanization, extreme weather events, deforestation, and unorganized tourism, all of which are intensifying environmental vulnerabilities.

Earlier, Rector Bhaderwah Campus Prof Rahul Gupta welcomed the distinguished guests and participants and congratulated the organizers for initiating deliberations on such a crucial and contemporary issue that is increasingly affecting human civilization across the globe.

The workshop featured detailed deliberations on several important themes including climate change, natural calamities, livelihood and agriculture, changing weather patterns, pastoralism, local knowledge systems, water resources, and infrastructure development in the Himalayan region.

As part of the workshop activities, the second day will include a field visit to Dandi Village, where participants will interact with members of the local farming community and learn from their experiences regarding climate change and its impact on agriculture and livelihoods.

The workshop is financially supported by ARPA Opportunity Foundation, New Delhi, and witnessed active participation from faculty members of the University of Delhi, Chintan Research Foundation (Delhi), SKUAST, various colleges of Jammu and Kashmir, students from SIIEDC, University of Jammu, and members of the local farming community.

The proceedings of the inaugural session concluded with a formal vote of thanks presented by Dr Angana of ARPA Opportunity Foundation, New Delhi, who expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, participants, and organizers for making the event meaningful and productive.