The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE)–Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, in collaboration with Himalayan Forest Research Institute (HFRI), Shimla, organised a one-day Regional Research Conference (RRC) on the theme “Role of Urban Forestry and Community Engagement in Building Climate Resilient Cities”.

The programme commenced with the welcome address by Dr. D.P. Khali, Scientist ‘G’ & Group Co-ordinator (Research), FRI.

In her inaugural address, Dr. Renu Singh, Director, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, emphasized the crucial role of urban forestry and highlighted the significance of community engagement in addressing climate resilience challenges. She also shed light on Government of India’s key initiatives such as AMRUT, Smart Cities Mission, and the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).

Dr. Manisha Thapliyal, Director, HFRI Shimla, spoke about urban greening and initiatives like Nagar Vans, while Dr. Jagdish Chander, former HoFF & PCCF, Haryana, presented his views on urbanization, the decline of green cover, and the urgent need for people’s participation in urban forestry.

Dr. Sameer Sinha, HoFF & PCCF, Uttarakhand, in his keynote address, referred to the recent disasters in Uttarakhand and neighboring regions, urging citizens to make small lifestyle changes for environmental protection.

Mrs. Namami Bansal, Municipal Commissioner, Dehradun, highlighted the city’s urban challenges such as encroachment, waste management, and loss of green cover, and shared the corrective measures undertaken by the municipal administration.

Dr. Kshama Gupta, Scientist Engineer ‘SG’, IIRS, gave a presentation on multiple urban green space models, including green roofs, urban green parks, and community woodlands, stressing the application of remote sensing techniques to address environmental challenges.

 

 

The meeting witnessed participation of over 100 delegates, including bureaucrats, senior forest officials, scientists, technical experts, and stakeholders. The discussions revolved around the importance of urban green cover, climate resilience, and the challenges of public involvement in sustainable city development.

The conference concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Parul Bhatt Kotiyal, Head & Scientist ‘F’, Forest Ecology and Climate Change Division, FRI.

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