JAMMU: To observe World Environment, awareness events, plantation drives and numerous other activities were hosted in Educational Institutions and Government departments across Jammu Division to reaffirm the need for a mass movement to save the earth from unforeseen environmental disasters.
At Bagh-e-Bhour Garden Jammu
Department of Floriculture, Parks & Gardens Jammu organized a tree plantation drive in Bagh-e-Bhour Garden Jammu to celebrate World’s Environment Day. The drive was initiated under the guidance of S. Jatinder Singh, Director General, Floriculture, Parks & Gardens Jammu in presence of Floriculture Officer Jammu Sunil Singh, Floriculture Officer (HQ), Ishtiaq Ahmad Malik, Assistant Floriculture Officers and other officials and visitors.
The Director General Floriculture, Parks & Gardens urged the young generation and civil society to protect the mother earth by planting more and more trees as well as replace the single use plastic with biodegradable material so that mother earth be saved and remain sustainable.
Students and Teachers of Government School Digiana joined the initiative to eliminate single use plastic and other plastic items in Bagh-e-Bahu Garden- the main tourist attraction in Jammu city. Various such plantation drives were also carried out in different parks and gardens in different Districts of Jammu Division by the Department.
At Doda
To promote Swachhta Abhiyaan and mark the celebration of the World Environment Day-2023, Deputy Commissioner Doda Vishesh Mahajan led a cleanliness drive in Block Development Office Ghat in presence of BDC Chairperson Ghat, Shariefa Begum, ACD, Phulail Singh, ACP, Ashfaq Khanji and BDO Anoop Kumar Sharma and others.
The DC kick-started Door to Door collection of waste and IEC activities in consonance with the district Swachhta Plan approved for the current year. A special purpose vehicle, “Swachhta Express” was flagged off from the BDO office, which shall traverse across the district and disseminate awareness, pamphlets, and other IEC material. A Swachhta Rally of the students of Government Higher Secondary School Ghat was also flagged off to imbibe a sense of responsibility among locals towards cleanliness and protection of environment.
Diverse IEC activities have been planned to be carried out in the district to achieve the status of ODF Plus. A plantation drive was also launched in the district on the eve of World Environment Day 2023 along with Pledge by the audience to protect and conserve the environment. Dustbins were distributed during the programme among the locals of Ghat village.
At Rajouri
The Department of Social Forestry, in conjunction with the Pollution Control Board and Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri, joined hands to celebrate World Environment Day through a series of diverse activities.
Deputy Commissioner, Vikas Kundal was the chief guest. Principal GMC , Dr A S Bhatia, MS GMC &AH, Dr Mehmood Hussain Bajar, DO PCB, Anupum Koul also attended the event. A remarkable display of paintings created by students, reflecting the theme of World Environment Day was also inaugurated.
Later a seminar was held in the GMC, where Deputy Commissioner Rajouri addressed the audience. He highlighted the significance of World Environment Day and emphasized the need for collective action to protect and restore the environment.
The event brought together students, faculty members, government officials, and citizens to share a common goal of preserving the natural resources. Through discussions, and educational initiatives, the participants were encouraged to recognize the importance of ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable living.
A pledge was administered to all participants, emphasising their commitment to environmental conservation.
A ceremonial tree plantation drive was also conducted as part of the event. Numerous saplings were planted, symbolising the participants’ commitment to nurture and protect nature. The initiative aimed to enhance the green cover of Rajouri and create a sustainable environment for future generations.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner, Vikas Kundal flagged off a walkathon to commemorate World Environment Day and promote Mission LiFE (Living in Harmony with Environment) campaign. The Department of Forest and Forest Protection Force, in collaboration with various stakeholders had organized the event.
The walkathon commenced from the District Forest Office and witnessed an overwhelming participation of students, government officials, environmentalists and civil society members.
Assistant Commissioner Revenue (ACR) Imran Kataria, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) S. Maurya, and Divisional Officer Pollution Control Board (PCB) Anupum Koul were also present.
Municipal Council Rajouri organized in the RRR Centre, Bella Colony, Bella Bus Stand area of the city to commemorate World Environment Day. The President MC appealed to the public to prioritize cleanliness and informed them about the waste segregation initiatives and waste processing equipment installed at the MRF Centre in Bella Colony.
Residents of Rajouri Town actively participated in a variety of activities. Over 700 residents, including Municipal Councilors, sanitation workers, individuals from NGOs, and school children attended the event. The event showcased the features of the RRR Centre, waste processing equipment, and featured painting and Nukad Natak performances by children, focusing on environmental themes.
Staff from the Social Forestry Department Rajouri planted saplings of Oaks and other shrubs in the RRR Centre premises and its surroundings. Later, special cleanliness drives were conducted by the sanitation wing of the Municipal Council Rajouri in various parts of Rajouri Town, ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for the community.
At Ramban
Municipal Council (MC) Ramban, in collaboration with the departments of Forest, Social Forestry and Pollution Control today celebrated World Environment Day, 2023 here in the Government Higher Secondary School.
Deputy Commissioner Mussarat Islam was the chief guest, while President, MC, Sunita Sumbria was the guest of honour. EO, MC Sudershan Kumar besides district officers also attended the programme.
The students spoke on the topic of world environment day and the importance of healthy environment and made eye-catching models referring to ecosystem degradation and real time solutions to some of the challenges faced by the world.
A swachhta pledge was also taken by the officers, officials, teachers besides a large number of students.
Meanwhile, the Forest Department organised plantation drives and awareness programmes at different locations across the district.
Divisional Officer Pollution control Sanjay Rathore also organized an awareness programme on World Environment Day at Government Degree College, Ramban.
At Reasi
World Environment Day was celebrated with full verve across Reasi district by organising a series of activities. The main function was held at sports stadium Reasi where a plantation drive was conducted and all district officers planted saplings.
Meanwhile, the Department of Youth Service and Sports Reasi start cleanness drive at Sula Park. The Municipal Committee Reasi, District social welfare department, Employment department also conducted cleanliness drives in different areas. The Horticulture department also conducted a cleanliness drive at Bagha to Karua road.
DLSA Samba
Under the aegis of JKLSA and as per the Action plan for the month of June, 2023 issued by Jammu & Kashmir Legal Services Authority(JKLSA) District Legal Services Authority, Samba organized an awareness program in Government Degree College Samba to mark “World Environment Day’’ on the theme “Solutions to Plastic Pollution’’ and under the Campaign #BeatPlasticPollution.
The event was held under the radiant guidance of Yesh Paul Kotwal, Chairman, District Legal Services Authority, Samba (Pr. Distt. & Sessions Judge Samba and Rekha Kapoor Nischal, Secretary, DLSA.
Pardeep Kour, Lecturer, Environmental Science, Govt. Hr. Sec. School Jakh was the resource person who highlighted the importance of the day and how it encourages people to live more sustainably by reducing waste, conserving energy, implementing eco-friendly practices, and supporting environmental causes. The proceedings of the program were conducted by Hitesh Sharma, Panel Advocate, District Legal Services Authority Samba and vote of thanks was conveyed by Thrinkle Suri, Principal Government Degree College Samba.
A ‘Pledge Taking Ceremony’ on Environment Day under the aegis of ‘Mission Life’ was also held.
KVK Samba
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Samba organized a series of activities to mark “World Environment Day” under Mission LIFE at KVK Samba and panchayats Samlah and Balore.
Dr. Sanjay Khajuria, Chief Scientist & Head, KVK Samba inaugurated the programme at KVK Samba, where more than 100 farmers of different blocks of district Samba participated in the programme.
A series of plantation drives were also conducted at the premises of the KVK, followed by mega plantation drives at Panchayats Samlah and Balore. More than 500 tree saplings were also distributed during these programmes and all the farmers took a pledge to safeguard the environment and also to plant trees.
A series of lectures on the theme of environment day were also conducted by the experts of the KVK.
SMVDU Katra
The World Environment Day was celebrated at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) Katra, in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC).
Vice-Chancellor, SMVDU, Prof. R.K Sinha along with Sat Paul Pakhru, Regional Director JKPCC, Nagendra Singh Jamwal, Registrar SMVDU, Neeraj Gupta, Finance Officer and Dr. Ratna Chandra, Head, School of Biotechnology, SMVDU planted saplings in the scenic and beautiful campus of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University. The participants undertook a pledge to preserve and protect the environment.
A collage competition on theme “Mission Life” was held in the foyer of Auditorium where students showcased their artwork depicting the deplorable condition of our environment due to various human activities.
The event ended with a skit by students on “Mission LiFE”. About 500 students, staff and faculty along with Deans and Heads of Schools and Section Heads of various departments also attended the event. Dr. Sharda presented the vote of thanks.
SFD Udhampur
Taking the initiative of “Mission LIFE Campaign” forward, Social Forestry Division Udhampur, in collaboration with 187 Bn CRPF, today celebrated “World Environment day” at CRPF Campus, Battal Ballian.
The event was marked with planting of about 50 saplings in the Campus followed by a LIFE pledge undertaken by all the participants to bring about necessary changes in our lifestyle at individual and community level for environmental protection and conservation.
The main focus of the events was to generate environmental awareness through ceremonial plantation drives, debate/painting competition and Plastic free cum cleanliness drive to meet the theme of current year’s World Environment Day i.e. “Solution to plastic pollution” under the campaign # Beat Plastic Pollution.
Govt Polytechnic College Jammu
Government Polytechnic College Jammu in collaboration with Sports Wing organised a Plantation Drive in the college premises as per guidelines issued by Mission Meri LiFE (Deptt of Higher Education, Ministry of Education). The objective was to initiate a massive plantation drive. various saplings were planted on the campus and all the staff and students unanimously stressed for conservation of College surroundings as green spots. The event was held under the guidance of Principal, Er. Arun Bangotra and under the supervision of Dheeraj Kumar NSS Co-ordinator
GDC Ramgarh
Meanwhile, Government Degree College, Ramgarh, organized a ‘Pledge Taking Ceremony’ on Environment Day under the aegis of ‘Mission Life’ and as a part of series of activities organized by NSS Unit ‘Prabha’ and Eco Club of the College in collaboration with G20 Cell. The event was organized under the supervision and leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Geetanjali Andotra, Principal of the College.
GDC Ukhral
NSS Unit of Govt Degree College Ukhral organized a series of events to observe the “World Environmental Day”. The campaign of World Environmental Day focused on the climate action, nature action and pollution action while encouraging students to safeguard the richness and resources of the environment.
The students participated in the Slogan- Poster Making and Essay writing competition on this year’s theme.” The students highlighted the need to protect the environment and the focus on living sustainably and in harmony so as to protect and restore our planet.
GCW Gandhinagar
To celebrate the World Environment Day, the Harshaali Eco-club of Padma Shri Padma Sachdev Government College for Women Gandhinagar organised “Wonders out of Waste” activity to raise awareness about the pressing issue of plastic pollution and promote the concept of creating remarkable creations from waste materials. In presence of the College Principal, Prof. Minu Mahajan, the event witnessed insightful discussions about World Environment Day, the menace of plastic pollution, and the immense potential of repurposing waste.
The centre of attraction was the exhibition of awe-inspiring models crafted solely from waste materials. A total of twenty-two talented students presented their innovative creations, highlighting the transformative power of repurposing waste. Their dedication and ingenuity were truly commendable.
Forest Division Nowshera
Nowshera Forest Division organised a series of activities including a rally at Sunderbani organised by Sunderbani Forest Range in collaboration with local Municipal Committee, Educational Institutions, Block Development Office, Office of Additional Deputy Commissioner, J&K Police. The rally was flagged off from Government Boys Higher Secondary School Sunderbani, which marched through the main bazaar to the office of E.O Sunderbani Municipal Committee.
Another rally was conducted from Range Office Lamberi which culminated at Garan where a plantation drive was conducted under the then Mission Life.
DLSA Kathua
As per the Action Plan issued by J&K Legal Services Authority, (JKLSA) for the month of June, 2023 and also under the directions and supervision of Chairman, District Legal Services Authority Kathua, Ashok Kumar Shavan, (also Principal District and Sessions Judge Kathua) “World Environment Day, 2023”, under the theme “Beat the Plastic Pollution” was observed by District Legal Services Authority Kathua in collaboration with Govt. Girls Higher Secondary School Kathua here in school premises.
Principal District and Sessions Judge Kathua was the Chief Guest of the program.
In his special address, the Chief Guest stressed upon the students how biodiversity can be an element of human well-being such as social cohesion, happiness and connections to nature and how it provides the community with material welfare and livelihoods and contributes to resiliency, security, social relations, health and freedom of choices and action.
Besides, a Painting/Drawing Competition was also organized by District Legal Services Authority Kathua at Govt. Girls Higher Secondary School Kathua. The winners of the competition were felicitated with medals and participation certificates by the Chief Guest.
The Principal of the School Neeraj Kumar Sharma presented the welcome address, while vote of thanks was presented by Secretary, District Legal Services Authority Kathua Rekha Kapoor Nishchal.
A plantation drive was also organized by District Legal Services Authority Kathua in collaboration with the Department of Forest Kathua in the school.
Similar Programmes were also organized by Tehsil Legal Services Committees Hiranagar, Basohli, Mahanpur and Billawar.
AT GCW Udhampur
SAP Club, Eco Club and NSS unit of Government College for Women Udhampur in collaboration with Mahatma Gandhi National Council of Rural Education (MGNCRE), Ministry of Human Resource Development, Govt of India concluded its fortnightly activities under Mission Life for environment, the presidency of G20 and Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav with the celebration of World Environment Day, 2023.
On the culmination day, World Environment Day, 2023 was celebrated holding a pledge ceremony and a plantation drive on the college campus. About 200 students along with the College staff pledged to make all possible changes in their daily life to protect the environment, besides motivating family, friends and others to acquire eco-friendly habits.
Later saplings of Delonix regia (Gulmohar) and Caryota urens (Fish tail Palm) were planted by the Principal of the college, teaching and non teaching staff.
GDC Neeli Nallah
To celebrate the “World Environment Day” NSS Unit of Govt. Degree College Neeli Nallah, Udhampur organized Poster making and slogan writing competition. The theme of the event was “Beat Plastic Pollution”.
In all 10 students participated in the competition presenting their views on the theme of the day. Vishali Sharma, Arun Sharma and Rabia Shehreen, students of semester II secured 1st, 2nd and 3rd position respectively. The event was followed by cleanliness drive on the college campus. A number of students participated in this drive enthusiastically.
Chattroo
The Forest Range Office Chattroo hosted a vibrant and impactful celebration on World Environment Day. The event witnessed the active participation of scores of students from Govt Degree College (GDC) Chattroo and Govt Higher Secondary School Chattroo, alongside local residents, PRI’s, and officers/officials from sister departments.
Vijay Kumar, DFO Marwah, delivered an enlightening address at the event, emphasizing the importance of cultivating simple yet effective practices that positively impact the environment in our daily lives. World Environment Day serves as a crucial platform for environmentalists worldwide, amplifying the urgent need to address the detrimental consequences of global warming and climate change. The event shed light on the profound loss of life, biodiversity, and valuable resources resulting from environmental negligence.