The Department of Geography, JSS College for Women, Saraswathipuram, had organised a UGC-sponsored one-day National seminar on ‘Disaster Management and Environmental Protection’ at  the College’s Navajyothi auditorium on Mar. 28.

Dr. Asima Nusrath, Chairperson, Department of Geography, University of Mysore, inaugurated the seminar. In her inaugural address, she pointed out  how Environmental Pollution brings huge problems to the mass by spreading different kinds of new diseases. She explained how unprecedented environmental fluctuations create geographical problems and concomitant hardship to flora and fauna.

She opined that the effects of environmental degradation can be mitigated through controlling the population. She stressed that there is need to create awareness among the people about the environmental protection.

She called upon the teachers and young generation to be prepared and trained with resource material and mode of evaluation in different branches like GIS, GPS, Remote Sensing and Disaster management.

Dr. S. Srikantaswamy, Dire-ctor, College Development Council, University of Mysore, presided. In his address, he aspired that the seminar will help the participants to know about the significance of Panchabhuthas — which are components of environments.

He deplored that young generations fully involved themselves in studying business management rather than disaster management thus resulting in many environmental problems that remain unsolved.

Dr. H. Gangadhar Bhat, Professor, Department of Marine and Geology, Mangalore University illustrated the problems of environmental disaster by screening Power Point presentations.

He appreciated that our country is scientifically well-developed and every year our scientists are launching remote sensing satellites. He said that construction of concrete structures in an erratic manner degrade the environment.  He asserted that depletion of ozone layer is leading to greater catastrophe.

He called upon the audience to save water and energy by making use of renewable sources effectively and extensively.

Dr. K.V. Suresha, Principal and Dr. H.B. Suresh, Academic Dean, were present.  Dr. Lathamani, Head, Department of Environmental Science, welcomed. N. Nagalambike, Head, Department of Geography, proposed a vote thanks. Jyothi N. Bhatt rendered invocation. Dr. N. Mallika compered.