JAMMU: Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, today emphasized the importance of involving students and NGOs to organize painting and essay writing competitions and other relevant programmes in educational institutions to generate greater awareness about the impact of Climate Change. 
The Governor said this after interacting with Miss Shreya Bharti, 11th class student of Heritage School, Sainik Colony, Jammu, who called on him after participating at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change held at Durban in South Africa from 28th November to 9th December, 2011. She was among the four Eco-Club students selected to represent the country at this Conference as part of the official Indian delegation. Shreya was accompanied by Dr. C. M. Seth, Chairperson, World Wide Fund for Nature, India (J&K Chapter) and Ms. Subeena Dogra, her Eco-Teacher.
The Governor observed that Climate Change shall affect all forms of life, fauna and flora and cause wide-ranging adverse consequences on varied fronts. Off season rains and snows shall impact on the traditional cropping patterns. We should commence preparation to meet all arising challenges, he said.
Describing students as future leaders, he said that their involvement in awareness generation campaigns can make a significant difference on the way we look at various issues. He said that essays, articles and other write-ups of students, in different languages, could be published in journals and newspapers to disseminate awareness about Climate Change. He said that the Universities of the State would do well to think of launching some pilot projects on issues relating to Climatic Change, particularly in view of J&K having three distinct agro-climatic zones.
The Governor said that the participation of students from Jammu and Kashmir in such international conferences can inspire children in other States to also take part in such activities. He presented a gift to Shreya and wished her a bright future ahead.
Sharing her experiences with the Governor about her participation in the Durban Conference, Shreya said that she participated in group discussions, youth meets and several other events associated with the Conference. (KMW News)
