CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nagpur, organised Dr Ashok S Juwarkar Memorial Lecture on 15 July 2024 in the NEERI Auditorium. Dr ML Khan, Senior Professor (HAG Grade), Department of Botany and Dr Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar (MP) were the Chief Guests on this occasion. Dr Atul Vaidya, Director, CSIR-NEERI, was also present on the dais.

Delivering the Dr Ashok S Juwarkar Memorial Lecture, Dr Khan expressed concern over degraded ecosystems, emphasising the need for long-term solutions through science and policy involving everyone. Citing personal observations on climate change, Dr Khan mentioned that species at lower altitudes are migrating to higher altitudes in Arunachal Pradesh, and there has been a change in the flowering season and overall snowfall pattern. He presented several management options for mitigating climate change and its impacts on biodiversity in Arunachal Pradesh. He stated that there has never been a more urgent need to revive damaged ecosystems than now. He briefed the audience about mapping bioresources in the Eastern Himalayas and Indo-Burma, as well as conservation strategies for rare and endangered tree species. Dr Khan further discussed the inventory and mapping of biodiversity attributes in the sacred groves of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Central India. He also spoke about the strategies adopted for restoring Rudraksha plants. 

In his welcome address, Dr Atul Vaidya, Director, CSIR-NEERI outlined the significant contributions of late Dr Ashok S Juwarkar. He said that the research work done by Dr Juwarkar laid a new foundation in the area of agriculture and environment, and CSIR-NEERI is continuously progressing in this field.

The book ‘Trees and Tree Microhabitats of CSIR-NEERI Nagpur,’ dedicated to the late Dr Ashok S Juwarkar, was released, and his significant contributions were screened for the audience. The editor of the book is Dr Shalini Dhyani, Principal Scientist, CSIR-NEERI.

Dr Debishree Khan, Sr Scientist, CSIR-NEERI, conducted the proceedings. Mr Prakash Kumbhare, Sr Principal Scientist, CSIR-NEERI, proposed the vote of thanks.

Fifty BSc and MSc (Environmental Science and Biotechnology) students from Kamla Nehru Mahavidyalaya, Nagpur visited the laboratories of CSIR-NEERI and interacted with scientists on this occasion.