The Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG), the Uttarakhand Space Application Centre (USAC) and the Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organisation (HESCO) are jointly organising a two-day workshop on the subject of Himalayan glaciers and community responsibility.

The workshop will be inaugurated on September 26 by Uttarakhand Governor Margaret Alva at the institute.

WIHG director, professor Anil K Gupta said that the Himalayas and rivers originating in these ranges directly sustain and affect the lives of about 40 percent of the population in India. Considering the importance of the Himalayas, the workshop is being organised in order to bring together scientists working on Himalayan glaciers, climate change and non governmental organisations to interact on the scientific and societal issues of the Himalayan mountain system and the local communities for facilitating sustainable regional development.

Stressing on the importance of the Himalayas, professor Gupta said that it was the duty of every Government department and members of the public to protect various components of the environment in the Himalayas ranging from its natural resources and forests to even rocks.

"During the two-day long workshop, we will discuss issues like the need for banning polythene items in Himalayan States, for maintaining purity of rivers originating here and for conserving the forests and environment of the Himalayas," he said. The impacts of climate change in the mountains have socio economic implications which include change in water resources, hydropower generation and natural hazards like avalanches and the impact on glacier lakes that directly affect the livelihood of local communities.

USAC director, MM Kimothi said that the workshop had been divided in to seven sessions on subjects including Indian climate and ecosystem responses, impact of climate change on glaciers, community responsibility and response, climate change in Himalayan ecosystem, water resources and community adaptation and responses.

Recommendations drafted after the plenary session will be submitted to the Union and State Governments. "Important scientific research has been undertaken by WIHG and other bodies but it is vital for these developments to be used for benefit of local communities. This workshop is aimed at bring science and society together", he added.

HESCO founder Anil Prakash Joshi said that the workshop was the first initiative of its type being undertaken to link science, community that takes into account both upstream and down stream areas affected by the Himalayan river system. "Glaciers are among the most important and in recent times, controversial components of the environment. This workshop will open doors for other organisations to become active for the benefit of environment and public because the Himalayas are our heritage and strength", stressed Joshi. Senior scientists, senior Government officers, subject experts, NGO representatives and community members will participate in the workshop.