ICAR-NIASM, Baramati observed ‘World Environment Day’ on 5^th June of 2021' with the theme “Ecosystem Restoration: REIMAGINE, RECREATE, RESTORE”. On this auspicious day, United Nations launched “UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) to revive billions of hectares of land under tree cover. In tune with these events, ICAR-NIASM, Baramati, Pune organized a digital talk on “The Indian Savanna: Conservation of grasslands in India” by Dr. Abi T. Vanak, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Bangalore, India. 

The event was initiated with introductory remarks by Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director ICAR-NIASM highlighted the values of environmental conservation for sustainable livelihood under the present context. He also narrated the mandate, functions, and collaborations of ICAR-NIASM with other institutes and the Institute’s work on environmental protection and abiotic stress management. He extended a hearty welcome to the guest speaker and audience. Dr. Jagadish Rane, Head of School of Water Stress Management introduced the speaker of the function and his major achievements in the area of environment conservation. Dr. Abi T. Vanak addressed the participants about the extent of the savannah ecosystem in India, species compositions, various drivers of habitat destructions, and possible efforts to conserve fragile ecosystems. Further, he provided demonstrated examples of ecological adaptations of grasslands that can lead to sustainable utilization. He expressed his concerns over ignored consequences of canal irrigation in ecologically fragile grasslands that provided habitat for wild flora and fauna. 

The function was organized by Dr. Jagadish Rane Head of SDSM, Dr. Satish Kumar, and Dr. Sangram B. Chavan, Scientist of SSSM. The function was attended by scientists and technical officers from different ICAR institutes, faculties of other SAUs, research associates, young professions, and students. Vote of thanks was extended by Dr. Satish Kumar, Scientist, NIASM.