National Interaction cum Evaluation Workshop of ENVIS Centres begins in Gangtok

GANGTOK, 28 Mar: A three-day National Interaction cum Evaluation Workshop of Environmental Information System (ENVIS) Centres began today at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok. The workshop is being organised by Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India in collaboration with Sikkim State Council of Science & Technology.
A press release informs that more than 120 senior participants from various national institutions and various State Government departments are participating in the interaction cum evaluation process for further strengthening of Environmental Information System in the country.
Chief guest of the inaugural function, Chief Secretary AK Srivastava, in his address, stressed on the protection of environment and need to have strong institutional instrument for repository of database and information system which ENVIS Centres can provide. He talked about fragile ecosystems, sustainable development and climate change.
Congratulating the Science & Technology Department for organising such an important event, he said that more study and generation of information is needed to be done by all participating institutes. He also thanked Ministry of Environment & Forests for giving the opportunity to Sikkim State Council of Science & Technology to organise such an important event.
Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, SK Shilal delivered the welcome address while Senior Economic Advisor, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India, B Brahma who was the guest of honour, talked at length about the mandate, funding and activities of ENVIS Centres. He also stressed on efficient management of generated information data.
Deputy Economic Advisor, Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govt. Of India, Abhay Kumar made a brief presentation about the ENVIS scheme. Other dignitaries present during the inaugural function were Arvind Kumar [Principal Secretary-cum PCCF, Forests, Environmrent and Wildlife Development Department], MG Kiran [Principal Secretary, Home Department] and Evaluation experts from different central universities and institutions, the release mentions.
During the inaugural function, the Chief Secretary also released various publications by WWF, India.  
The workshop will conclude on 30 March after presentation and evaluation of all 68 ENVIS centres.