The Botany Department under the aegis of IQAC of Khalsa College for Women, Civil Lines, Ludhiana organised College Development Council, Panjab University Chandigarh, sponsored One Day National seminar “Urban Green Spaces, Climate Change and Environment Sustainability: A Critical Acclaim” in the college auditorium. Officiating Principal Dr. Iqbal Kaur extended a warm welcome to the guests and delegates of the day. Mrs. Ajit Kang, Vice-President and Mrs. Ravinder Grewal, member from the managing committee of KCW also graced the event.
Faculty, Scholars and researchers from various Universities and Institutes of India participated in the Seminar. Dr. R. K Kohli, Vice Chancellor, Amity University, Punjab, Mohali, Department , was the chief guest of the event and presented the inaugural address. In his address he reflected upon the concept urban green spaces while deliberating upon the need to save water and soil to make planet earth a better place to live. He also raised concerns on the rising graph of population and proposed that effective management, creating urban green spaces, and wild life protection can be some of the solutions to the sustainable environment.
Dr. Daizy Batish, Professor, Department of Botany, Panjab University, Chandigarh presented the keynote address. She deliberated upon degraded ecosystems and highlighted that these are potentially threatening as they are a breeding ground for infectious diseases. She raised concerns over the diminishing forest cover and increasing urbanisation. She also discussed the importance of botanical gardens.
The first session was taken over by the eminent academicians from various parts of the country. Dr. Manish Kapoor, Professor and Head, Department of Botany, Punjabi University, Patiala and Co-ordinate centre for restoration of ecosystem of Punjab discussed the importance of tree health and apprise the audience about the health problems of trees which generally go unchecked. He raised concerns over the issue and urged the audience to identify such trees in their vicinities and take measures to save them consequently saving the green cover.
In the technical session Dr. Parminder Singh, Professor of Floriculture, PAU Ludhiana , discussed landscaping a source to connect with the natural world and helps in building a sustainable environment. He shared varied aspects of urban cover like green belts and vertical gardens at length.
Dr. Jagriti Gupta, Assistant Professor, Nauni University, Solan, disseminate knowledge on the basics of landscaping such as different plants used for landscaping. She also discussed types and styles of gardens to enhance the beauty while adding life to the urban setup.
In his valedictory speech Dr. Manav Indra Singh Gill, Dean of Horticulture and Forestry, PAU, appreciated the efforts of the organisers who walked an extra mile to bring insights into the important issue of urban green spaces and environment sustainability and emphasised that green spaces are required for mental, physical and social well being as greenery enhances the quality of life.
Dr. Kamaljit Kaur, Head of Botany Department delivered vote of thanks to all the dignitaries and faculty from various colleges. The event was culminated with the beats of national anthem.