A Two-Day ICSSR sponsored National Conference on “Addressing Sustainability and Climate Adaptation in North-West Himalayan States: Insights from Social Sciences” organized by the Department of Economics was inaugurated at the University of Jammu today. In the Inaugural Function, Prof. Keshav Sharma, Dean Academic Affairs was the Chief Guest and Prof. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon from Punjab School of Economics, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar delivered the Key-Note Address. 

Prof. Sharma emphasized that multi-disciplinary actions, collectivism, technological and behavioural changes including traditional ecological knowledge are required at local, regional, national and international levels to address climate extremes by involving all stakeholders.

Prof. Dhillon presented a broader perspective on sustainability and climate adaptation and relevant strategies including public awareness, people’s participation and a proper balance between environment and development for policies focusing on North-West Himalayan States. 

Prof. Falendra K. Sudan, Head, Department of Economics and Convener of the conference spoke about the goals of the conference and highlighted the details of the event. Prof. Raj K. Mahajan spoke on issues of increasing air pollution and its impact on human health and productivity and life expectancy. 

Dr. Virender Koundal welcomed the dignitaries, delegates and participants and Prof. Prakash C. Antahal presented the vote of thanks. Later in the day, parallel  technical sessions were organized, which were chaired by Dr. Dalip Kumar, Senior Executive (Projects), National Council of Applied Economic Research, New Delhi and Dr. B N Singh, Formerly Director, U P Raj Rishi Tandon Open University, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, wherein a total of 40 papers were presented by the academicians, scientists and researchers from North-West Himalayan States from NCAER, New Delhi, Panjab University, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh University, Allahabad University, Punjabi University, Regional Centre, Bhatinda, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Uttarakhand, DAV College, Jalandhar, RCE – Jammu, DAV College, Phagwara, SKUAST - Jammu, SKUAST - Kashmir, College of Engineering and Post Harvest Technology, Sikkim, various colleges of Jammu and Kashmir, and faculty members and researchers of University of Jammu, who deliberated upon different aspects of sustainability and climate adaptation in North-West Himalayan States. The policy options and action points to address sustainability and climate adaptation emanated from the technical sessions and deliberations will be sent to relevant stakeholders and policy planners for possible implementation.