Seminar on “Climate Change: Challenges, Mitigation and Adaptation” (September 27, 2025)

The Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), Jammu & Kashmir Regional Branch, in collaboration with the J&K Forest Department, organised a seminar on “Climate Change: Challenges, Mitigation and Adaptation”. The first-of-its-kind seminar brought together experts, policymakers, academicians, and civil society representatives to deliberate on the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change. Shri B. R. Sharma, Chairman, IIPA J&K RB, was the Chief Guest, while Dr. Ashok Bhan, Patron, presided over the seminar. The keynote presentations were delivered by Shri Vasu Yadav, Chairman, Pollution Control Board & Director, Environment and Remote Sensing, J&K, and Dr. Rajeshwar Singh Jasrotia, IFS (Retd.), who provided insightful perspectives on climate variability and emphasized the need for sustainable development, conservation of natural resources, adoption of renewable energy, afforestation, and climate-resilient strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Addressing the gathering, the Chair highlighted climate change as a global civilizational challenge requiring collective responsibility, ethical governance, and harmony with nature. In his presidential address, Dr. Ashok Bhan underlined the urgency of balancing development with environmental protection and cautioned against irreversible ecological damage, particularly in fragile and biodiversity-rich regions. The proceedings were conducted by Prof. Komal Nagar, EC Member. The seminar witnessed wide participation from senior officers of the Forest, Agriculture, and Horticulture Departments, academicians, students, and members of civil society.