he proposed seminar on geology and natural environment on March 23 will discuss strategy for the development of Uttranchal and coping with natural hazards.

"The proposed seminar would be the first ever mega academic exercise after the formation of Uttranchal " Professor and head ,department of geology, Kumaon University , Dr. Charu c. pant told Hindustan Times.

He said the proposed seminar would be jointly sponsored by the Department of Science, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and the Kumaon University.

Prof Pant is the convenor of the seminar. He said the recommendations of the seminar would be sent to the State Government so as to help it formulate development policy for Uttranchal keeping in view the region's vulnerability to earthquakes and landslides. The lesser Himalayas with a focus on Uttranchal has been chosen as the theme of the seminar because of the complex features the region is comprised of , Prof Pant Said.

"These features", he said, "include complex geological settings , geo-dynamically active and environmentally sensitive terrain of the Himalayas."

Emphasis of the seminar would be on analyzing the factors leasing to landslides , soil erosion besides studying the land-use practices. Participants would try evolving strategies for sustainable development of Uttranchal through efficient watershed management, he added.

Hindustan times 26/02/2001