River ecology, according to Dr. Prabha Chitrakar, is key to life and living in Nepal.
“That is why there is a critical need for integrated water resource management, habitat protection and biodiversity conservation in the country, observed Dr. Chitrakar while talking to the Nepal Weekly recently about bond between river and life.
Dr. Chitrakar, who holds a Ph.D. Degree from Integral University, Lucknow-India,is an academician having four decades of teaching experience in Department of Zoology, Tri-Chandra Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Dr. Chitrakar, the patron of Women in Science and Technology (WISH), Senior Vice-President of Nepal Aquaculture Society (NAS) has vast experience in the field of life science, environmental science with specific in fisheries and aquaculture. These days she is engaged in aquatic diversity research in the rivers of Nepal.
Her research-work on Spatio-Temporal Variability of Water Quality and Ichthyofaunal diversity of three ecologically and geographically distinct river systems of Nepal- Sunkoshi, Gandaki and Narayani rivers – is considered a “highly important scientific and professional study.”
Experts regard her study as “very valuable particularly in addressing problems emerging from complications caused by climate change, glacier retreat, and anthropogenic pressures.”
Answering a query Dr. Chitrakar underlined the need to sensitize people at various levels – policy formulation, development-works and communities residing in the banks or backyards of river basins – on the broad cause of protecting rivers particularly water quality for saving lives and livings.
“Safeguarding rivers in a scientific way ultimately opens multiple opportunities for development to respond to needs and aspirations of people and requirements of mother-nature,” she noted.
