Events of EIACP
Patna, 7 June. The Centre for Environment Energy and Climate Change (CEECC) at Asian Development Research Institute (ADRI) an ENVIS RP on Water Management and Climate Change had organised the inauguration function of the training programme on Biodiversity, Dolphin Conservation and Aquaculture Management module of River Life Management System (RLMS) under Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP). GSDP is a skilling initiative of the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) aimed at creating a green skilled work force for the conservation and restoration of environment.
This is the consecutive second module conducted by CEECC-ADRI under RLMS after the previous module on ETP/STP/CETP Operation and Maintenance. The broader objective of this training programme is to skill local youths/community from the Ganga river stretch in Patna- Danapur area with fundamental knowledge of the biodiversity of the river and the threats due to river pollution. The 150 hours course will also impart knowledge on biological, taxonomical, ecological and conservational aspects of the endangered Ganges River Dolphin, the national aquatic animal of India. The training will be conducted in collaboration with Zoological Survey of India, Patna and ICAR-RCER Patna. The training programme includes both theoretical and extensive practical classes throughout the session.
While welcoming the guests, Professor Prabhat P Ghosh, Director ADRI mentioned that the combination of Knowledge-Attitude-Practice (KAP) can only be effective to save our environment. The chief guest of the function was Dr. Anandi Subramanian, Principal Advisor, MoEF&CC. In her address to the trainees she explained on the background of GSDP and mentioned that “GSDP should become a movement”. She asked the trainees to pass the baton of the responsibility of conserving environment to the next level through this skilling programme and not let anyone to harm our very own river. Dr. Ashok K Ghosh, Chairman, Bihar State Pollution Control Board mentioned in his special address that environmental problems cannot be resolved by rules and regulation unless mass come together. The programme also featured a special lecture by Dr. Sunil Kumar Chaudhary, Professor of Botany from T.M. Bhagalpur University on the Gangetic River Dolphin. He explained how local stakeholders can be effective in managing river life using the example of Dolphin Mitra. Dr. Gopal Sharma, Scientist, ZSI Patna also shared his experience with the new trainees on the characteristics of Dolphins and the threats to their sustenance due to river pollution.