GUWAHATI, March 18 – A workshop on ‘National Environment Awareness Campaign, 2008-2009’ on climate change was organised by Environmental Watch and Management Institute (EWMI) recently with support from Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India, a press release said.
The programme was held on the premises of Dharapur Higher Secondary School, Dharapur. Dr Dilip Kumar Deka, environmentalist, inaugurated the workshop by planting a Neem tree. Ramani Kanta Sarma, chief engineer, Gauhati University, Jatin Kalita, principal, Dharapur HS School, Dr Chandra Sarma, the first Assamese woman to receive Mahila Shiromoni Award, 2008, also participated in the plantation programme. As a part of the day-long workshop, a drawing competition was held. About 70 students of seven high schools, higher secondary schools and an art school of west Guwahati participated in the drawing competition. The main lecture session began with Jusmita Borah, member, EWMI, explaining the aims and objectives of the workshop.
Dr Sarbeswar Kalita, Head, Department of Environmental Science, Gauhati University, delivered a lecture on the subject, “Climate change and its effect” and how it would make its impact on the people of north-east India. He explained the various types of weather elements that are responsible for climatic condition of a particular region. He also highlighted carbon dioxide emission which is catalysing global warming, the most burning issue.
Dr Gagen Chandra Sarma, Department of Botany, Gauhati University, stressed the importance of conserving the environment. He asked the common people to come forward and play a vital role in conservating the earth. He also urged the participants to plant least one tree on their birthdays and on any other auspicious occasion. Altogether 150 people, including students, teachers and local people of the area, participated in the workshop and highlighted many important issues pertaining to climate change.
