Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 5: World Environment Day was celebrated today with great enthusiasm and commitment by various organizations including educational institutions across the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Forests, Ecology & Environment, Dheeraj Gupta, today chaired the celebration of World Environment Day function held at Tagore Hall, Srinagar. The event was jointly organized by the Department of Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing and Amar Singh College Srinagar. Dheeraj Gupta, while speaking, complimented the Forest Department for achieving higher targets under various deliverables assigned by the Government in addition to plantation of 180 lakh saplings in 2023-24 under Green JK Drive involving Panchayati Raj Institutions and other stakeholders.
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The Financial Commissioner inspected various paintings and participated in the ceremonial plantation program at the Amar Singh College Campus along with other senior officers. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF), Roshan Jaggi, was also present on the occasion.
District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Samba under the guidance and overall supervision of Adnan Sayeed, Chairman DLSA Samba (also Principal District & Sessions Judge Samba) organized a tree plantation drive today in collaboration with Forest Division, Samba at District Court Complex, Samba. The plantation drive was formally inaugurated by Adnan Sayeed by planting a sapling. The event was graced by Preet Simran K Grover, CJM, Rekha Kapoor Nischal, Secretary, DLSA Samba, Ananta Raina, Additional Special Mobile Magistrate Samba, Urvashi Raina, Additional Munsiff, Samba, Himani Parihar, Munsiff Samba, Sagar Singh Divisional Forest Officer Samba, Neeraj Gupta Range Officer Samba along with their team members, B S Charak Special Public Prosecutor, NCB Samba and others.
A plantation drive was also organized at Ashoka Law College, Kathua by DLSA Kathua under the overall supervision of Ashok Kumar Shavan, Chairman DLSA Kathua (Principal District & Sessions Judge Kathua). Shavan inaugurated the drive by planting a sapling and he was followed by other dignitaries. The programme was attended by all faculty members of Ashoka Law College, staff of Principal District & Sessions Court Kathua, officers of Legal Aid Defence Counsel Kathua, and staff & PLVs of DLSA Kathua.
DLSA Bhaderwah organized an awareness programme and plantation drive in the premises of New District Court Complex Sarna (Bhaderwah) under the chairmanship and direction of Secretary (Sub Judge) DLSA Bhaderwah Romesh Lal. The awareness program and plantation drive was organized by DLSA Bhaderwah in collaboration with the Forest Division Bhaderwah led by DFO Bhaderwah Ayoub Khan and during the programme, Panel Lawyer Advocate Mohd Majid Malik deliberated upon various aspects of the topic.
To mark the occasion, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) introduced an eco-friendly practice of distributing plants as souvenirs to devotees. In this regard, Anshul Garg (CEO SMVDSB) today inaugurated a saplings outlet namely Vaishnavi Vatika at Niharika Complex of Shrine Board at Katra. Around 40 indigenous species of plants reared in the Board’s high-tech nursery at village Kunia in Panthal area near Katra shall be available for devotees now onwards. The CEO along with other senior officers of Shrine Board also planted saplings of different species around the Vaishnavi Vatika and distributed a variety of plants to the devotees.
Department of Botany at School of Sciences, Cluster University of Jammu, organized a vibrant and impactful plantation drive on World Environment Day. The celebration began with a talk by Prof Suganda Mahajan (Coordinator, Department of Botany), who emphasized the importance of restoring and preserving our natural ecosystems. Prof Harpreet Bhatia, Dr Arun Khajuria, Dr Pankaj, Dr Anjali and Dr Mohd Saleem played key roles in the Day’s activities.
Under the guidance of Prof B N Tripathi (Vice Chancellor), SKUAST-Jammu celebrated the World Environment Day at its Chatha Campus. The program was organized on the theme “Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience”. Dr Rajinder Peshin, Director Education, SKUAST-J was the chief guest of the programme while Environmentalist Bhushan Lal Parimoo was the guest speaker at the event. More than 100 students and faculty members were present at the programme.
The Institution of Engineers (India), Jammu Centre celebrated World Environment Day with the theme “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience”. The event was attended by engineers from various departments, organizations, besides senior engineers along with members of the committee of IEI, Jammu Local Centre. Lal Chand Ji (Retired PCCF J&K and chairman J&K Environment Impact Assessment Authority, GoI) was chief guest on the occasion whereas Prof (Dr) Bhawna Sharma (Chairman, IEI Jammu Centre) presided over the function and Sachin Tickoo (Honorary Secretary, IEI Jammu) were among distinguished audience in attendance.
Prof Dr Bhawna Sharma, FIE in her welcome address introduced the Day’s theme to the audience. She emphasized the importance of the Day, reminding everyone of collective responsibility to safeguard our planet. She highlighted critical issues such as land degradation, desertification, and the increasing frequency and severity of droughts, which not only threaten our environment but also the very fabric of our societies. Dr Sharma advocated for the development of robust frameworks that integrate science, technology, and policy to ensure a sustainable and resilient future for all. Lal Chand in his address urged the populace of J&K to conserve environment and take measures urgently to safeguard the interest of our and future generations.
To observe the World Environment Day, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Kashmir (CUK) in collaboration with the Action Aid Association (India), organized a programme on “Land Degradation, Desertification, and Drought Resilience,” under the campaign “Uniting to Save Our Planet Earth,” at Tulmulla campus. Addressing the participants, Vice-Chancellor, Prof A Ravinder Nath, underscored the need to address the environmental challenges posed by land degradation, desertification, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Department of Environmental Sciences and Green Campus Task Force (GCTF-JU), University of Jammu organized a plantation drive in the University Campus. Prof Anju Basin, Dean Academic Affairs, JU and chief guest on the occasion inaugurated the drive by planting a Mango sapling in the lawns of the Department. She emphasized that such events should be undertaken frequently as it is the duty of every individual to revive the natural processes and ecological relationships that sustain life. Later, a ‘Comprehensive Poster on the Green Initiatives by the University of Jammu’ was also released.
Environmental Sciences, Centre for Biodiversity Studies, BGSB University celebrated the Day by organizing a brainstorming session on this year’s theme “Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience”. Speaking on the occasion, Prof Akbar Masood (VC, BGSBU) mentioned that the Day reminds us our contribution to the sustainable development of the society. Dr AA Shah (Associate Dean Academic Affairs) and Dr Shreekar Pant (Coordinator, Centre for Biodiversity Studies) also spoke on the occasion.
Department of Botany, University of Jammu in collaboration with the Department of Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing (DEERS) celebrated the World Environment Day. The event was held at the Seminar Hall of the Department. Vasu Yadav, PCCF/Chairman, Pollution Control Committee (J&K) was chief guest of the event while Prof Yash Pal Sharma (Dean Faculty of Life Sciences, JU) was guest of honour. An exhibition of beautiful crafts and models made from waste materials was displayed on the occasion.
Department of Geography at the Institute of Mountain Environment, Bhaderwah Campus, University of Jammu, celebrated the Day by organizing a plantation drive. The event saw enthusiastic participation from both students and teachers who planted trees across the campus. Marking this special occasion, the Department launched a new initiative wherein each first-semester student will plant a tree and commit to nurturing it throughout their two-year course.
CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) marked the World Environment Day with a fervent celebration, reiterating its dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable principles. Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-IIIM Jammu, graced the occasion with his presence and delivered a poignant address, stressing the imperative for unified efforts in protecting our planet’s ecosystems and tackling urgent environmental issues. Plants were planted in the campus, orchestrated through community engagement.
Climate clock was installed in the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Jammu campus on the occasion of World Environment Day. Prof Anil Saumitra, Regional Director, IIMC and Vivek Pathak initiated this installation and said that the Climate Clock counts down the critical time window to reach zero emissions. They also said that the planet is about 1.1 degrees Celsius hotter than it was before the Industrial Revolution. Dr Dilip Kumar, Associate Professor, Dr Vinit Utpal, Assistant Professor and Dr Anshula Gurg, Assistant Professor along with staff were present on the occasion.
On World Environment Day, FICCI FLO JKL undertook a novel initiative to promote the conscious disposal of e-waste, addressing the escalating issue of electronic waste polluting the environment. In collaboration with VRG Group, a pollution control board-certified e-waste collector, FICCI FLO JKL organized a door-to-door e-waste collection drive. Ruchika Gupta, Chairperson of FICCI FLO JKL, emphasized the environmental impact of improper e-waste disposal. “When electronics are disposed of by handing them over to local scrap dealers, they often end up in landfills where toxic chemicals are released, contaminating the Earth’s soil and water, ultimately affecting human health. Our initiative aimed to prevent this by ensuring e-waste is disposed of in a responsible manner,” she added.
State Bank of India, Local Head Office Chandigarh organized Cyclothon in Chandigarh to create public awareness on this year’s theme of World Environment Day. The Cyclothon comprising more than 100 cyclists was flagged off by the CGM of SBI Vinod Jaiswal and other senior executives of the Bank. The event was organized along with the active support from Desh Bhagat University. Dr Tejinder Kaur, Pro- Chancellor of the University also graced the occasion.
Devika Hyundai in Udhampur joined the global community in celebrating World environment Day, marking a commitment to environmental sustainability and awareness. Moreover, a comprehensive workshop on eco-friendly driving practices and vehicle maintenance was conducted, emphasizing the importance of responsible driving habits for a cleaner and greener environment. A PUC camp was also organized to ensure vehicles’ compliance with emissions standards.
Team Mask Force (TMF) chairman Vijay Sharma, in a statement issued today, called for immediate remedial measures to be adopted by each and every individual to save mother Earth for survival of humanity. “We cannot turn back the time but we can grow forests, revive water sources and bring back soils. We are the generation that can make peace with land. We have to learn how everyone can help restore land, prevent desertification and droughts,” he added.
The Day was celebrated by Chenab Valley Power Projects Limited (CVPPL) with great fervour and gaiety. The celebration began with the address of Ramesh Mukhiya, Managing Director, CVPPL, on the theme of World Environment Day- “Land Restoration, Desertification & Drought Resilience”. Mukhiya highlighted the problem of land degradation and desertification and share his insights to combat desertification and restore the land. About 200 saplings of various fruit bearing trees were distributed among the staff to mark the occasion.
Commemorating World Environment Day, Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) organized a plantation drive at its office premises at SCOPE Complex, New Delhi. Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay (Vice-Chairman, SCOPE and CMD Goa Shipyard Limited) and Atul Sobti (DG, SCOPE) planted saplings in the presence of senior officials of SCOPE.
The Day was celebrated by the Forest Department in collaboration with the District Administration, civil society, NGOs and students at Chowgan Ground, Kishtwar. The event graced by DC Kishtwar Dr Divansh Yadav as chief guest, started with ceremonial plantation in the periphery of Chowgan followed by pledge and cleanliness drive to make the area a plastic free zone. Dr Vijay Kumar (DFO Kishtwar) was also present on the occasion.
Synergetic Green Warriors Foundation celebrated the Day at ITI Sunderbani, showcasing its commitment to environmental sustainability. The program was organized by Dogar Nath, Office Secretary of the Foundation, under the dynamic leadership of Dr Sonia Verma, Director of the Foundation. Sumit Kumar of ITI Sunderbani took a proactive role in the event, planting Rudraksh saplings to commemorate the day.
NSS unit “Veerrangana” and Eco-Club “Tawishi” of Government College for Women, Bhagwati Nagar (Jammu) celebrated the Day under the patronage of Principal Dr Meeru Abrol. A seminar was organized on this years’ theme, ‘Our Land, Our Future: Land restoration, Desertification and Desert Resilience’. About 15 Students presented insightful discussions on the importance of land restoration and combating desertification, emphasizing sustainable practices to ensure a resilient future.
The NCC Unit of Dogra Degree College in collaboration with the Eco-Warrior Club DDC organized the plantation drive at Dogra Degree College, Bari Brahmana where the NCC Cadets of the College and Eco-Warriors of Eco-Warrior Club (DDC) jointly planted the saplings of more than 50 local trees to add more greenery with the local flora to the environment.
The NSS Unit and Eco Club of GDC Marheen organized a seminar on the theme “Restore Our Earth” in the college premises for creating awareness among the students. The programme was organized under the patronage of Principal Prof (Dr) Anupama Gupta. In her address, she highlighted that we all work together to save lives, ease sufferings and lessen the shattering economic and social consequences. A large number of volunteers and students participated in the event.
NSS unit of GDC Kunjwani organized an awareness programme on World Environment Day. The program was organized under the guidance of Prof Dr Manisha Sarup Kohli, Principal of the College. A documentary was screened on the theme “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience”, followed by an interactive session with the students.
NCC Unit (SD/SW) of Government Post Graduate College, Rajouri, organized a series of events to commemorate the Day under the patronage of the Principal, Prof (Dr) Shamim A Azad. The event started with a brief introduction about the significance of conserving the environment by NCC Officer, Prof Salma Farooq. NCC cadets organized a cleanliness drive within College campus and took out an awareness rally.
Ascend Telecom Infrastructure Private Limited -J&K circle, organized “Save Water, Save Birds, Save Environment” campaign at Shiv Panch Mandir Park Sector – 5, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu in coordination with Mandir committee. During the programme, valuable information on importance of environment was highlighted. The progrmme concluded with an act of kindness, wherein earthen pots filled with water were hanged on the trees and walls of the park for birds to drink water.
To celebrate the Day, Bhartiya Lok Sangeet Kala Sansthan (BLSKS) in coordination with Sangam Tru Art Production presented its 431st musical play “Ped Lagao Desh Bachao” at Open Air Theatre, Durga Bhawan, Janipur (Jammu). A pledge was administered by artists of BLSKS to preserve the environment.
Jasrota Forest Range of Kathua Forest Division in tandem with 67th Battalion of BSF Paharpur organized a plantation drive during which approximately 200 saplings of different specific were planted at Paharpur. Rakesh Sharma (Range Officer, Jasrota Forest Range), Ved Parkash (Range Officer, Soil Range) and Rajinder Kumar (Assistant Commandant, BSF) were present on the occasion.
NSS Unit of GDC Mahanpur in collaboration with Department of Physical Education celebrated World Environment Day. The programme was organized by Dr Rupalee Jasrotia (NSS PO and Dr Jogbindar Singh Soodan (Physical Director) under the supervision of Dr Sangeeta Sudan (Principal of the College). Several environmental measures such as plantation, installation of water pots for birds and cleaning of dry pine needles were taken in the College Campus to celebrate the Day.
Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA), in collaboration with the Indian Army, Hotelier Club Gulmarg, IISM Gulmarg, allied departments, service providers, and local students, celebrated World Environment Day. The celebrations began with a mega cleanliness drive, starting at the main market of Gulmarg and extending to the Children’s Park. More than 300 volunteers, including service providers, students, and others, participated in the clean-up efforts to maintain the beauty of Gulmarg. Waseem Raja, Chief Executive Officer, GDA, led the mega cleanliness drive.
Jammu Institute of Ayurveda & Research (JIAR) celebrated the Day with great enthusiasm. The students from batch 2021-22 presented Nukkad Natak, PowerPoint presentation, videos and also pledged to save the environment. JIAR spread awareness to join the global movement to restore our lands, to build drought resilience and to combat desertification. The event was organized by the Department of Dravya Guna.
To mark the occasion, Jammu Province People’s Forum (JPPF) signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with several educational institutions including Yogananda College of Engineering, IMS Patoli, National College of Education, Cambridge International School and Kawa College of Education, with a series of impactful initiatives aimed at raising awareness and promoting environmental stewardship.
NSS Unit of GDC Majalta in collaboration with Eco Club under the patronage of Principal Prof (Dr) Shalini Sharma, conducted a cleanliness drive near Mansar Lake (Ramsar Site). Around 25 NSS volunteers participated in the drive. Volunteers were divided into groups and assigned specific areas around the wetland. They collected plastic bottles, bags, wrappers and other non bio-degradable waste. They interacted with local residents and visitors, and educate them on the importance of keeping the wetland clean.
Suez Foundation India, Saraswathi Educational & Cultural Charitable Trust, Helpline Humanity and NYK Jammu jointly organized a painting and essay writing competition on the occasion of World Environment Day at Mata Saraswati Pustakalay, Jagti (Jammu). More than 30 students participated in the competition. Mukesh Grover (Trustee of Suez Foundation India) was chief guest and Bedita Gupta (Communication/CSR Department) was guest of honour while M K Bhat (founder of Helpline Humanity) presided over the function.
Nagrota Military Station marked the Day with a series of impactful activities aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and awareness. The celebration centered around three major initiatives: a fruit-bearing tree plantation drive, a vehicle-based mobile awareness campaign, and energy conservation efforts. Fruit-bearing tree plantation drive was organized across all Residential Welfare Associations (RWAs), Units and Army School within the station.
A plantation drive was jointly organized by Sector Headquarter (Spl-Ops) SSB Jammu and 7th Battalion SSB Jammu in association with Forest department Jammu. In the drive, 237 saplings were planted in newly allocated land of 7th Battalion Sidra under the guidance of Sudhir Verma, Deputy Inspector General, SHQ (Spl-Ops) SSB Jammu and in presence of Achyut Singh (Commandant 7th Battalion SSB).
Taushi Branch of Bharat Vikas Parishad, J&K Prant, in collaboration with SAMIKSHA: The Society for Promotion of Inclusive and Sustainable Development, Jammu organized a Declamation Contest on the occasion of World Environment Day amongst students of different schools at Muthi (Jammu). The topic of the contest was “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience”. Fifteen students participated in the competition and the winners were awarded by chief guest Dev Raj Sharma (National Chairman, BVP).
Government High School Budhli in Zone Bhatyas (Doda) celebrated the Day with a vibrant programme coordinated by Ishaq Rashid Malik, who delivered speech shedding light on issues of land degradation, desertification, and drought resilience. The programme included a rally where students actively participated, chanting slogans like “Save Earth, Save Life” and “Our Future, Our Land.”
A plantation drive was organized at SHRD Public School. During the drive, many quick-growing trees, which do not need much water on daily basis, were planted near school boundary wall and in the surrounding area. Chairman of the School, Sant Hare Ram Dass spoke about the ways to protect the environment.
Kamal Academy High School, Chanderkote, celebrated the Day with great enthusiasm and commitment. The celebration commenced with inspiring speeches delivered by participants who highlighted various environmental challenges and the urgency of addressing them. The event also featured several hands-on activities, like plantation drive, sanitation drive and debates.
Department of EVS and Eco Club in collaboration with NCC and NSS units of the Govt. SPMR College of Commerce, Jammu also celebrated World Environment Day.
The program was organised under the patronage of Principal of the College. Dr. Rajinder Singh and aegis of IQAC. Celebrations of the Day started with plantation of sapling of drought resistant ‘Shami Tree’ by the Principal of the College. This was followed by a poster making competition in which Sugam Mehra secured first prize whereas second and third prize were bagged by Tanishka Mehra and Amit Singh respectively. A rally was also taken out in the vicinity of the college by the NCC cadets and NSS volunteers.
The event was organised and coordinated by Prof. Deepshikha Sharma, NSS PO, Dr. Madhu Bala ANO NCC, Prof. Esha Abrol, HOD, EVS and Dr.Deepak Pathania, Convener Eco Club and NSS PO.
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