The Department of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Government of Jharkhand in association with Centre for Environment and Energy Development (CEED) organised a stakeholder workshop today to mark the occasion of ‘World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought’ in the state. The key objective of this workshop was to discuss the key concerning issues and the way forward to address the desertification and drought in Jharkhand. The workshop witnessed participation of key departments, agencies, industries and academic institutions to present pragmatic solutions for green and sustainable Jharkhand.

Addressing the program, Dr. Sanjay Srivastava, I.F. S, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Department of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Government of Jharkhand emphasized on making comprehensive plan for the prevention of desertification. He said that there is a need in the state that a detailed plan should be prepared on land restoration and reclamation. Efforts can also be made towards making a law on this subject.

A detailed presentation on combating desertification was given by Dr. Manish Kumar, Director Research and Development, representative of Centre for Environment and Energy Development (CEED). During the program, information was given by the representative of CCL on the land reclamation efforts made on the mined out plots and their good results.

The process of soil erosion was explained in detail by the representative of Birsa Agricultural University and information about its prevention was also given. During the program, an interactive session was organized which was conducted by Mr. Siddharth Tripathi, IFS, CCF, Research.

During this session various measures to prevent desertification in the state were discussed by the participants. At the beginning of the program, all the guests and participants were welcomed by Dr. DK Saxena, Additional Chief Conservator of Forests where he also discussed about World Desertification and Drought Control Day, as well as discussion on the situation of the country, the world and the state on this subject. At the end of the program, vote of thanks was given by Ms. Richa Jha from CEED.