Environmental sustainability, river ecology and human intervention will be at the centre of discussions in Guwahati on September 20, as the Brajamohan Sarma Memorial Trust hosts its 22nd annual memorial lecture.
The lecture, titled “Brahmaputra in peril: Ecology, human interventions and civilization in Assam”, will be delivered by Rituraj Phukan, founder of the Indigenous Climate Justice Forum, climate activist and author.
The programme will be held at the Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture on M.G. Road in Uzanbazar from 11 am.
From a business and economic perspective, the health of the Brahmaputra has implications extending beyond environmental concerns. The river system is closely connected with agriculture, fisheries, transportation, tourism, riverine livelihoods and settlements across Assam. Changes in river behaviour, erosion and ecological conditions can therefore influence communities and economic activity dependent on the river.
The proposed lecture comes at a time when climate resilience and sustainable development are increasingly becoming important considerations for policymakers, businesses and communities.
For Guwahati, the event also highlights the city’s role as a platform for discussions around Assam’s environmental and development challenges. As the state’s principal urban and commercial centre, Guwahati remains closely connected with the wider Brahmaputra basin and its economic ecosystem.
The participation of Phukan is expected to bring together perspectives on climate action, indigenous communities and environmental sustainability.
The memorial lecture is part of the Brajamohan Sarma Memorial Trust’s annual programme and is expected to attract academics, environmentalists, professionals, students and members of the public interested in the future of the Brahmaputra. The event will begin at 11 am on Sunday.
