More floods in NE predicted

GUWAHATI, April 6: Eminent scientist, Jagadish Bahadur has predicted more floods in Assam and its adjoining States due to depletion of Himalayan forest cover. Talking to The Assam Tribune here today, Bahadur said that the Northeast would be experiencing 10 to 30 per cent more rainfall in coming years and temperature would go up to one to three per cent in view of degrading forest coverage in the Himalayan region. Bahadur, project investigator of Himalayan environment further said that flora and fauna of the Northeast are facing severe threats due to increase in temperature and, hence a concerted effort should be initiated from all quarters. Bahadur who has been constantly monitoring the changes in the Himalayas with Chinese data, revealed that the entire ecosystem of the region has started changing gradually which could create a serious problem in the entire Northeast. In this context, he, however said that despite the threats, proper steps are yet to be initiated. "Scientists should concentrate more in the Himalayan region considering the gravity of the situation", he said, adding that as Himalaya is a home to several endangered species an urgent step is a must. Bahadur, a senior member of Vigyan Prasar of New Delhi under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) also opined that 'Remote Sensing Technique' should be activated to conserve the ecosystem of the Himalayas. "Since weather and climate of the country depends entirely on the Himalaya, a joint effort should be made by sharing satellite data", he added. He also suggested setting up of a standing committee to take stock of the prevailing situation in the Himalayan region. On flora and fauna of Assam, Bahadur revealed that destruction of herbal medicinal plants of the State should be immediately checked. "As there is a global demand for medicinal plants of the region, an awareness should be created among the masses conserve these endangered plants, he added.