ITANAGAR, SEP 10:
The North-East Regional Centre (NERC) of the GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (GB Pant NIHE) celebrated its Annual Day 2026 at Poma Hall, DK Convention Centre, Itanagar, on Thursday, along with the 13th Pt Govind Ballabh Pant Popular Lecture.
The annual lecture series, held around the Institute’s Foundation Day, commemorates the legacy of Bharat Ratna Pt Govind Ballabh Pant through scientific discourse and engagement with Himalayan communities.
Regional Head of GB Pant NIHE-NERC Dr Paromita Ghosh delivered the welcome address and briefed the gathering on the Institute’s activities.
The 13th Popular Lecture was delivered by Rajiv Gandhi University Professor and former Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences Prof Santanu Kumar Patnaik on the theme, “From Pixels to Policy: Remote Sensing & GIS as a Bridge Between Science and Community in the North-Eastern Himalaya.”
Patnaik highlighted the potential of remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies in addressing environmental and developmental challenges in the Himalayan region. He discussed their applications in water security, landslide hazard assessment, land-use change, shifting cultivation, biodiversity conservation and climate-resilient planning.
He emphasised the need to translate scientific information derived from satellite data and geospatial technologies into practical solutions for communities and policymakers, while strengthening the link between scientific research, policy formulation and community-level action.
The programme was attended by scientists, academicians, government officials and representatives of various organisations. Special guests included Botanical Survey of India Arunachal Pradesh Regional Centre Head Dr Krishna Chowlu, Zoological Survey of India scientist Dr Ilona J Kharkongor, Himalayan University Dean Dr Raja Hussain and Geological Survey of India Director Parminder Singh Sethi. GSI Itanagar Deputy Director General Dr Rajesh Kumar Naik, the Guest of Honour, also addressed the gathering.
State Forest Research Institute Director HB Abo, the Chief Guest, appreciated the Institute’s efforts to strengthen Himalayan environmental research and its interface with society.
The programme also featured the release of a book on beekeeping, presentation of mementoes to the speaker and dignitaries, recognition of the Performer of the Year from NERC and a cultural programme. GB Pant NIHE-NERC Scientist Dr Wishfully Mylliemngap proposed the vote of thanks.
The celebration reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to environmental research, conservation, sustainable development and strengthening the science-community interface in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
