PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
When the summer months turn rainy and the temperatures in the months from January to March rise above normal in Dehradun, climate change is a reality experienced by all. Development is necessary and some developmental and construction works may lead to environmental damage. However, science and technology hold the solution to achieving the balance between developmental aspirations and the need for environmental conservation, the Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST) director general Durgesh Pant said while speaking at the dialogue organised by The Pioneer on balancing development and environmental conservation.
Appreciating the history and editorial content of The Pioneer, he said that Uttarakhand is historically important and vital for the nation from many aspects, adding that Asia’s first engineering college was established here, in addition to the Survey of India founded in the colonial era, Forest Survey of India, Forest Research Institute, Indian Institute of Remote Sensing and the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, among other globally important establishments from the perspective of science, technology and the environment. He said that though developmental activities tend to cause environmental damage, the solution to this issue lies in science and technology. “We at UCOST, with the assistance of the Central and State governments, are working to develop a culture of science and technology in the State. We believe that knowledge cannot be gained unless one is curious to know. We are undertaking various initiatives with the government’s support to encourage science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) in order to raise awareness and enhance knowledge among the youngsters in the State. We have launched Labs on Wheels- mobile laboratories in all the districts and these are enabling the youngsters to live science and quench their curiosity while gaining knowledge,” he said.
The UCOST DG further said that a clear roadmap and effective action on it is essential whenever one has to resolve an issue. A concerned and aware citizenry and a decisive and sincere leadership is vital to ensure that the people and the establishment work towards the common goal of the greater good, he said.
Pant also informed the gathering about the nation’s fifth Science City coming up in Dehradun and various other initiatives being undertaken by UCOST in the State.
