*We will protect nature, only then will nature protect us – Shri Deka*
*Symposium on the impact of climate change organized*
Raipur, Governor Shri Ramen Deka said that climate change is the biggest challenge of the civilization of the 21st century and collective efforts are essential to solve it. When we protect nature, only then will nature protect us. Shri Deka was addressing a seminar organized today, Saturday, in Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University under the joint auspices of the South Asian Climate Change Journalists Forum and the university.
Governor Shri Deka said that the temperature of the earth is increasing abnormally, due to which the weather cycle has become unbalanced. Ice in polar regions is melting rapidly, sea levels are rising, irregular rainfall, droughts and devastating storms are increasing. He said that the main reason for this is human activities, emission of greenhouse gases, indiscriminate cutting of forests and excessive use of fossil fuels. The level of gases like carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide in the atmosphere is increasing rapidly, which is increasing the temperature of the earth.
The Governor said that Chhattisgarh is also not untouched by this. The state is witnessing an increase in temperature, irregular rainfall, intensity of heatwaves and floods. Coal-based industries, deforestation and excessive use of chemical fertilizers are increasing the emission of greenhouse gases, which is adversely affecting the environment as well as agriculture, water sources and livelihoods. He said that we have to take concrete steps towards the use of renewable energy, pollution control and forest conservation. Chhattisgarh has 45 percent forest area. We all have to work together to keep this beautiful state green. He suggested that under the name of one tree mother of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, every person should plant a tree, energy should be used judiciously, plastic-free campaign should be promoted and solar and wind energy should be adopted.
Shri Deka said that the role of students and youth is very important in this direction. It is the need of the hour to adopt water conservation, waste management and sustainable lifestyle by forming green clubs. It is also the responsibility of the youth to promote environmental education through digital platforms. We can make small efforts to save the climate.
In the program, Vice Chancellor of Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University, Professor Sachchidanand Shukla, gave information about the efforts being made in the field of environment under the university. Shri Kallol K. Ghosh, coordinator of the South Asian Climate Change Journalists Forum, highlighted the purpose of the seminar. Advisor Shri Soumya Bandopadhyay also shared his views.
On this occasion, Professor M.L. Nayak was honored by the Governor for his invaluable contribution in the development of science and society, and the winners of various competitions also received awards at the hands of the Governor.
MLA Shri Purandar Mishra, Forum President Shri Ashish Gupta, members of the University Executive Council, teachers, students of colleges and schools were present in the seminar.