World Wetlands Day celebrated across J&K

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 2: Different organizations here today celebrated World Wetlands Day and organized different programmes to aware the masses.
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) Katra, in collaboration with Directorate of Tourism, Jammu, celebrated World Wetlands Day at Surinsar Lake-a designated Ramsar site. On this occasion, keynote lecture was delivered by Padma Shri Prof. R.K Sinha, Vice Chancellor SMVDU. Prof. Sinha, popularly known as the Dolphin Man of India, emphasized the importance of water bodies like Surinsar Lake in providing assured drinking water supply, ground water recharging besides providing refuge to flora and fauna. He stressed on the need for preserving wetlands in J&K for providing shelter to both the local and migratory birds and ensuring food chain health.
Nature Club in collaboration with NSS unit of Government College of Education organized Environmental-cum-Heritage visit to Gharana Wetland and Suchetgarh Border.
The visit was flagged off by Prof Aekta Gupta, Principal of the College, who appreciated the efforts of Nature Club and NSS for this initiative. Dr Shalini Sharma, Convener Nature Club laid stress on preservation and conservation of wetlands while as Dr Shubhra Jamwal, NSS PO emphasized that youth can play significant role in fostering the promotion of places of heritage and historical importance.
The visit was also coordinated by Dr Mansi Sharma and Dr Anuradha Seth.
Eco-club (Green Warriors) and Department of Environmental Sciences of Government Degree College (GDC) Vijaypur celebrated World Wetlands Day by organizing different activities. Prof. Poonam Kundan, Convener, Eco-club and Head, Department of Environmental Sciences briefed the students about importance of wetlands.
On National Wetlands Day 2023 Eco Club, Yuva Tourism Club and National Service Scheme unit ‘Prabha’ of GDC Ramgarh organized a visit and cleanliness drive at Gharana Wetlands under the supervision of Prof. (Dr.) Satinder Kaur, GDC Principal. The Principal while speaking on the occasion informed that this day also marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar.
On World Wetlands Day, Department of Environmental Sciences, Government GLDM Degree College Hiranagar organized documentary screening on the theme ‘It’s Time for Wetland Restoration’. Prof. Neha Bhagat, HoD Environmental Sciences educated students on the role of wetlands in supporting a wide range of biodiversity and maintaining many natural cycles. The whole programme was organized under the guidance of Principal, Dr. Pragya Khanna who also talked about the importance of wetlands.
GDC Mahanpur celebrated World Wetlands Day by organizing a field trip for students to a wetland under the guidance of Principal of the College, Dr. Sangeeta Sudan. The field trip provided opportunity to the students to see wetland in its natural state.
Department of Environmental Sciences and Eco-club ‘Srishti’ of GDC Sidhra under the patronage of Principal, Dr. B.B Anand organized an awareness lecture and documentary screening to celebrate World Wetlands Day 2023 under the aegis of IQAC. Dr. Anshu Gupta sensitized the students about the theme of this year’s World Wetlands Day ‘It’s time for Wetlands Restoration’.
J&K Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) in Srinagar celebrated World Wetlands Day with theme ‘Prioritize Wetland Restoration’. On this occasion, Watershed Management Division of J&K LCMA organized a rally to create awareness among the people about importance of wetlands. The employees of Watershed Management Division besides the locals participated in the rally which started from the Office of Watershed Management Division Ishber Nishat and concluded near Foreshore Road.