A two-week online Refresher Course in Environmental Sciences (interdisciplinary) commenced today. The course is being organized by the Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu in collaboration with UGC-Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre (MMTTC). The course was formally inaugurated by Prof. S.K Pandita, Director MMTTC, University of Jammu, who was the Chief Guest on the occasion. In his address, Prof. Pandita emphasized that, in addition to being essential for professional growth, such courses help in continuous knowledge and skill enhancement of the teachers in the current era of rapid information flow. Further, he ensured full cooperation from the university and the organizers for the smooth conduct of the refresher course. Earlier, the Chief Guest and the participating teachers were accorded a formal welcome by Dr. Deepika Slathia, Course Coordinator of the Refresher Course. She gave a detailed overview of the structure of the course and various themes to be covered during the course.

The first resource person, Mr. Arun Kansal, Director (ICWMR), TERI School of Advanced Studies, New Delhi, delivered a presentation on “Water Security and Urban Metabolism” wherein he discussed multi facets of water scarcity and explored the ways and means to address water-related challenges with specific focus on urban metabolism. The second session began with a presentation by Dr. S.P.S. Kushwaha, Former Group Director and Dean of Academics at the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, ISRO, Dehradun.  His presentation focused on Aerospace Technology for environmental assessment and monitoring. He deliberated upon the latest aerospace technologies and their importance in monitoring and management of environmental resources. In the final session, three participants delivered presentations on various aspects of the environment.

About 65 teachers from various colleges and universities from all over the country are participating in this refresher course. Others present during the inaugural session included Prof. Piyush Malaviya, Head, Dept. of Environmental Sciences, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Dr. Ravinder and Dr. Ranjan Sharma.