 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Dec 12: In a bid to address the pressing issue of Human-Wildlife conflict, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-Jammu) initiated a two-day workshop dedicated to veterinary students. The event, titled "Role of Veterinarian in Mitigating Human-Wildlife Conflict," commenced on December 12, 2023, and is set to conclude on December 13, 2023.
The inaugural ceremony, graced by Chief Guest Prof. M.S. Bhadwal, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, R.S Pura, featured prominent figures including Prof. Rajesh Katoch, Dean of Students Welfare (DSW), SKUAST-Jammu; Dr. M Kumar, IFS, Regional Wildlife Warden, Jammu; Prof. H. Bhardwaj, Convenor, and Dr. Pankaj Gupta, Coordinator of the workshop. The event is organized under the guidance of Prof. B. N. Tripathi, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu, and is sponsored by J&K State Council of Science and Technology, DST, Jammu.
Addressing the audience, Prof. M.S. Bhadwal emphasized the global threat that Human-Wildlife conflict poses to sustainable development, food security, and conservation. He also drew attention to the pressing issue of monkey menace, calling for government intervention.
Dr. Rajesh Katoch, DSW, SKUAST-Jammu, highlighted the zoonoses associated with wildlife reservoirs, underscoring the importance of collaboration between veterinary and medical scientists, policymakers, and public health officials.
Eminent keynote speakers for the workshop include Dr. M Kumar, Regional Wildlife Warden, Jammu; Dr. Kafil Hussain, Professor, Veterinary Medicine; Amit Sharma, Wildlife Warden, Jambu Zoo, Jammu; and Dr. Bahar Bawiskar, President of wild-CER Nagpur.
Dr. H.R. Bhardwaj, Convenor of the workshop, extended a warm welcome to the dignitaries, while Dr. Pankaj Gupta, Coordinator, provided insights into the theme and program details. The inaugural session witnessed the participation of Heads of Departments, teaching and non-teaching staff, and a large number of veterinary students from F.V.Sc. & A.H. R.S Pura. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Ankur Sharma. |
