A four-day national symposium, TROPMET 2015 on weather and climate extremes, started at Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh, on Sunday.
The symposium was inaugurated by former secretary department of science and technology, Dr T Ramasami. Director general, India Meteorological Department (IMD), Dr LS Rathore, PU vice chancellor, Prof Arun Kumar Grover, and director of Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) Aswagosha Ganju participated in the inaugural function.
At the event, Dr T Ramasami emphasised on the relevance of the symposium in light of current changes observed in climate and weather patterns. He spoke on the special relevance of the seminar for the looming crisis of climate change, pollution of water bodies and soil degradation.
He emphasised on the relevance of climate change to society as our supply of food comes from the agricultural sector and this is an area of major and immediate impact.
IMD DG Dr LS Rathore urged for a peaceful co-existence with nature which would have a positive impact on climate and weather patterns. He highlighted the Kedarnath tragedy and the Jammu and Kashmir floods by emphasizing on the prediction of these events. The timely and accurate prediction of latest cyclonic storm Hud-Hud saved many lives, he reminded.
Prof Grover, in his presidential remarks emphasised on the role of climate in our lives and society. He underlined the value of such symposiums in addressing the issue of weather extremes. He lauded the efforts of IMD and society in holding this event. He stated that this will boost researches into climate extremes and disasters and increase the interface with society. In order to achieve this, he proposed that the department of Geography establish a center for geosciences/earth sciences which would promote interdisciplinary teaching and research. Such a centre may involve government organizations like ISRO, IMD, DST, MoES and MoEF.
{{/usCountry}}Prof Grover, in his presidential remarks emphasised on the role of climate in our lives and society. He underlined the value of such symposiums in addressing the issue of weather extremes. He lauded the efforts of IMD and society in holding this event. He stated that this will boost researches into climate extremes and disasters and increase the interface with society. In order to achieve this, he proposed that the department of Geography establish a center for geosciences/earth sciences which would promote interdisciplinary teaching and research. Such a centre may involve government organizations like ISRO, IMD, DST, MoES and MoEF.
{{/usCountry}}President, Indian Meteorological Society (IMS), Dr Akhilesh Gupta in his address highlighted the role of meteorology in society and how climatic extremes could prove detrimental if no corrective measures are initiated.
Eminent geologist and professor emeritus, Department of Geology, Prof Ashok Sahni delivered the Ruchi Ram Sahni Memorial Lecture.
The day ended with a lively cultural event that presented an insight into the cultural heritage of this region for delegates from different parts of India and the world.
The founding director of Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER) Dr N Sathyamurthy inaugurated the photography xxhibition on PU Bio-Diversity.