EARLY TIMES REPORT
UDHAMPUR, Apr 14: Government Degree College (GDC) Chenani initiated the work on the research project entitled “Hydro-chemical impact assessment, study of anthropogenic pressure and mass public awareness on protection of Devika stream and adjoining underground sources of water (bowlis) at District Udhampur, (J&K)” awarded to the College by the J&K Science, Technology and Innovation Council (JKSTIC), Dept. of Science & Technology, Govt of J&K. The Principal Investigator of the Project, Dr Pragya Khanna visited the proposed research area along with her team.
The purpose of the research project is to create awareness to restore the holy Devika stream and its ecosystem as the water body and the environment is being polluted by multiple sources. The team identified the key sources of pollution, viz poor land use, unplanned construction in the surrounding, discharge of untreated sewage, organic waste, polythene bags and temple discards into the water, over-exploitation of the water body and anthropogenic pressure, coupled with weak local authority services viz a viz control and awareness issues.
Dr Pragya Khanna, PI of the Project said that the findings from this survey could be used to detect disease risk factors for public health prevention policies and programs. She further added that the project would be divided into five important phases, project initiation, project planning, project execution, project monitoring, and project closure. Since the area serves the purposes of adding aesthetical value, water conservation and groundwater recharge, green space, recreational hotspots, temperature regulation, biodiversity hotspot, besides economic benefits to the locals, it is imperative to protect it in the urban environment of the Udhampur town. This preliminary perception survey was conducted with the purpose of using limited resources and time to better understand the technical, logistical, training and other needs required for the formal performance to be planned and executed during the project implementation.
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