Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 5: World Environment Day was observed today across Jammu and Kashmir with plantation drives, awareness campaigns, seminars, rallies, cyclothons and other activities aimed at promoting environmental conservation and sustainable development.
To commemorate the occasion, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders led plantation drives at different locations across the Union Territory. J&K BJP president and MP Sat Sharma, along with district president Nand Kishore Sharma, participated in a plantation programme at Baba Kailakh Dev Shrine in Jammu North Assembly constituency.
J&K BJP general secretary (organization) Ashok Koul, along with Baldev Singh Billawaria and Naresh Singh Jasrotia, took part in a plantation drive at Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Shastri Nagar. BJP Industry Cell, led by Deepak Gupta, also observed the day in an industrial area by planting saplings and organizing a seminar.
BJP MLA from Jasrota, Rajiv Jasrotia, called for a comprehensive and collective approach towards environmental conservation, emphasizing that safeguarding nature is essential for ensuring a prosperous, healthy and sustainable future for Jammu and Kashmir.
Directorate of Tourism Jammu organized a plantation drive at Tourist Reception Centre, Jammu. Officers and officials of the Department participated in the programme by planting saplings within the office premises. Speaking on the occasion, Joint Director Tourism Jammu, Aijaz Qaiser, underscored the importance of protecting and preserving the environment through sustained afforestation efforts. Among those present were Deputy Director Publicity, Savita Chouhan; Deputy Director Administration, Pankaj Sasan; Deputy Director Planning, Mamta Sharma; and Assistant Director Tourism Jammu, Vishal Sadhotra, along with other officers and officials of the Directorate.
Jammu and Kashmir Police organized a large-scale tree plantation drive across its establishments throughout the UT. Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat inaugurated the drive in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district, while at Police Headquarters Srinagar, the programme was led by Special Director General of Police S J M Gillani. Similar drives were conducted at all Zonal, Range, District, Unit and Wing Headquarters.
Railway Police J&K launched a large-scale tree plantation campaign across various locations, including the premises of Railway Police Headquarters Jammu, Railway Police Stations and Posts, and Railway Police Lines of GRP Jammu, GRP Katra and GRP Kashmir. Supervisory officers and personnel actively participated in the drive. Trees were planted in office premises, railway establishments and nearby localities under the jurisdiction of Railway Police. Officers highlighted the importance of environmental conservation and stressed the collective responsibility of citizens in preserving nature.
Revenue Training Institute (RTI), Jammu organized a major plantation drive under the guidance of Financial Commissioner, Revenue (Additional Chief Secretary) J&K, Shaleen Kabra. The programme was led by Principal RTI Jammu, Sunaina Sharma Mehta, in the presence of Rajesh Kumar Baru, Tehsildar RTI Jammu, Anita Jamwal, Accounts Officer RTI, and other senior officials who actively participated in planting saplings across the institute campus. Addressing the gathering, Sunaina Sharma Mehta emphasized the importance of environmental stewardship amid the ongoing climate crisis.
Under the leadership of Prof B N Tripathi, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu celebrated the day in collaboration with the J&K Science, Technology and Innovation Council (JKST&IC). Dr S K Gupta, Director Research, SKUAST-Jammu, was the chief guest. Participants showcased innovative ideas and creative expressions related to renewable energy, environmental protection, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
The J&K Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC), Divisional Office Rajouri, organized a mega environmental awareness campaign-cum-plantation drive at multiple prominent locations across Rajouri district. The programme was conducted at Advance Line Ground in collaboration with 25 Infantry Division, 150 General Hospital Army Rajouri, 58 RCC GREF and New Bus Stand Salani.
The School of Life Sciences, Central University of Kashmir, observed the occasion at its Tulmulla campus in Ganderbal. Speakers emphasized the need for sustainable lifestyles and climate action. Vice Chancellor Prof A Ravinder Nath highlighted the importance of maintaining ecological balance for future generations, while Vice Chancellor of Central University of Punjab, Prof Raghavendra P Tiwari, was the chief guest.
Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), in collaboration with the Urban Forestry Division Jammu, organized a large-scale plantation drive at the Suryaputri Tawi River Front. Commissioner JMC, Dr Devansh Yadav, participated in the event along with other dignitaries and citizens.
Senior Advocate, former legislator and State Convenor of Indian Council for Enviro-Legal Action (ICELA), J&K Chapter, Ashok Sharma, expressed concern over the deteriorating state of the environment and, while addressing a gathering at Press Club Jammu, called for urgent and collective action to protect J&K’s fragile ecological balance.
Sector Headquarters Border Security Force (BSF) Rajouri organized a tree plantation drive across its headquarters and forward posts along the Line of Control, with participation from officers, subordinate officers, other ranks and their families.
A massive plantation drive was also organized at Government Middle School Khour Salarian, Government Higher Secondary School Nandpur, Primary Health Centre Nandpur, Naib Tehsil Office Nandpur and Village Nanga in Ramgarh. MLA Ramgarh Dr Devinder Kumar Manyal inaugurated the drive.
Police Technical Training Institute (PTTI), Vijaypur, organized a large-scale plantation drive within its premises and adjoining areas. The programme was inaugurated by Principal PTTI Vijaypur, Ranjit Singh Sambyal, who planted the first sapling and highlighted the importance of collective efforts towards environmental protection.
As many as 35 NCC cadets of 8 J&K Girls Battalion NCC (A Coy), Padma Shri Padma Sachdev Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, participated in awareness campaigns, rallies, plantation drives, seminars and educational screenings.
State Bank of India, Local Head Office Chandigarh, organized a Cyclothon in association with 92.7 BIG FM. More than 300 cyclists participated in the event, which was flagged off by Krishan Sharma and Amaresh Kumar Jha, Chief General Managers, Chandigarh Circle.
State Bank of India Rural Self Employment Training Institute (SBI RSETI), Jammu, celebrated the occasion at Government Middle School, Chak Changerwan, Jammu, with a tree plantation and environmental awareness programme organized under the leadership of Ajay Singh Kamdi, Regional Manager, RBO-II Jammu.
At Sawalkote Hydro Electric Project headquarters in Tanger (Ramban), NHPC marked the occasion with an essay-writing competition and a major plantation drive involving local students and project employees. Head of the Project, Dinabandhu Boral, stressed the need for responsible environmental stewardship in the face of global climate change.
Department of Youth Services & Sports, Zone Thannamandi, organized a plantation drive at Government Boys Model Higher Secondary School, Thannamandi, with the aim of promoting environmental awareness and encouraging the protection of natural resources.
Chenab Valley Power Projects Limited (CVPPL) celebrated the occasion with great fervour and gaiety. The celebration began with the plantation of saplings in the office premises by Ramesh Mukhiya, Managing Director, CVPPL.
A plantation drive was organized at the Zonal Headquarters of Crime Branch (EOW), Jammu, under Civic Action Programme 2025-26. The plantation drive was led by SSP Crime Branch (EOW) Jammu, Faisal Qureshi, along with Gazetted Officers and officials of the unit.
Ritika Trehan, convenor of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP), also organized a plantation drive. The drive was organized under the theme of environmental stewardship and community participation, highlighting the importance of preserving natural resources for future generations.
1 J&K Air Squadron NCC, led by Prof Rajesh Manhas, ANO NCC Air Wing, along with 15 NCC cadets, organized a mega Social Service and Community Development (SSCD) activity at Nagar Van, Jakheni, Udhampur. The event was graced by the Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur, along with Wing Commander Praveen Bishnoi, Commanding Officer, 1 J&K Air Squadron NCC Udhampur, who inaugurated the plantation drive by planting saplings and interacting with NCC cadets.
The Institution of Engineers (India), Jammu Centre celebrated World Environment Day with the theme “A Global Call for Climate Action”. Dr V S Senthil Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forests, Jammu, was the chief guest and Dr Pratik Kumar, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil (Environmental) Engineering, IIT, Jammu was the keynote speaker. Anil Verma, FIE Chairman, IEI, Jammu Centre presided over the function.
A plantation drive was organized today at the Police Dog Squad (PSK-9) Unit, Zonal Headquarters of J&K Police, Sunjwan, Jammu. The drive was inaugurated by Sanjay Parihar, Senior Superintendent of Police, Special Crime Wing (SCW), Crime Branch Jammu, in the presence of officers and officials of the unit (SCW/PSK-9).
Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Reasi, under the aegis of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-J), celebrated the occasion here today. The programme was organized under the leadership of Vice Chancellor, Prof B N Tripathi, and Director Extension, Prof Amrish Vaid, of SKUAST-J. Chief Scientist & Head of KVK Reasi, Dr Banarsi Lal, started the programme.
Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Samba, under the aegis of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, organized a mass agroforestry plantation drive in Block Bari Brahmana. The programme was conducted under the supervision of Prof Sanjay Khajuria, noted environmentalist and Chief Scientist & Head, KVK Samba.
Samba Police organized plantation drives across various police establishments in the district. At the District Police Office, the programme was led by SSP Samba, who, along with officers and officials, planted saplings within the premises. Similar drives were carried out at Police Stations, Police Posts, Border Police Posts and District Police Lines.
Traffic Police (Rural) Jammu organized plantation drives across its jurisdiction to promote environmental conservation and sustainable living. Led by SSP Traffic (Rural) Jammu, Farooq Qaiser, the programme witnessed participation from Deputy SP Traffic Samba-Kathua Sukhdev Singh, DTIs, SOs and other officials. A sapling was planted at PWD Rest House, Sunderbani, while similar drives were conducted across Samba, Kathua, Rajouri and Poonch districts.
At NHPC Corporate Office, Faridabad, CMD Bhupender Gupta led the celebrations by planting a sapling and launching a plantation campaign. Addressing employees, he stressed the importance of collective efforts towards environmental conservation, preservation of ecological balance and sustainable use of natural resources.
Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) reaffirmed its commitment to responsible hospitality. Gaurav Pokhariyal, Executive Vice President-Human Resources, stated that 41 per cent of IHCL’s electricity consumption now comes from renewable sources. He also highlighted the company’s community initiatives, including watershed restoration, rainwater harvesting, revival of traditional water bodies and groundwater recharge projects across Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Bharat Vikas Parishad, Greater Kailash Branch, Jammu, organized an environmental awareness campaign involving schoolchildren and branch members. A door-to-door outreach programme was conducted to educate residents about environmental conservation. The event concluded with a collective pledge to work towards a greener future.
Paramrshniti Foundation and Dharti International Foundation organized a webinar titled “Forestry: Nature’s Climate Solution,” bringing together environmental experts, researchers, students and citizens. The webinar featured Dr Atin Kumar Pathak, Climate Change and Sustainability Expert and India Head at RINA Classification and Certification India Pvt Ltd, Mumbai, who spoke on climate change mitigation, greenhouse gas reduction strategies, carbon credits and forestry-based solutions.
A plantation drive was organized today at the Directorate of Horticulture, Jammu. On the occasion, Director Horticulture Jammu, Gul Syed, planted a mango sapling in the Directorate premises and inaugurated the plantation drive.
GCW Bhagwati Nagar celebrated the occasion under the patronage of the Principal of the college, Prof (Dr) Shalini Sharma. A series of awareness and outreach activities were organized to sensitize students and the local community about environmental conservation and the urgent need to address climate change.
The National Service Scheme (NSS) Unit (Khidmat), Eco Club and the Department of Environmental Sciences at Government Degree College (GDC) Vijaypur jointly organized a vibrant poetry recitation competition. The celebrations were held under the guidance of the Principal of the college, Dr Sanjeet Kaur.
GGM Science College Jammu organized a series of awareness programmes focusing on environmental conservation, protection of medicinal plants and prevention of drug abuse. Principal Prof (Dr) Romesh Kumar Gupta highlighted the importance of safeguarding nature and urged students to become responsible citizens. A poster and slogan-making competition was also organised on themes related to environmental protection and anti-drug awareness.
GDC Samba organized a series of activities under the theme “Healthy Environment, Healthy Youth: Towards a Drug-Free and Sustainable Future” in collaboration with Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. The programme was conducted by the NCORD Cell, NSS Unit and NCC Units of the college under the patronage of Principal Prof. (Dr) Nirlape Kour. A poster-making competition on the themes of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and environmental awareness was also held.
Government Degree College, R S Pura, celebrated the occasion with enthusiasm and a strong sense of social and environmental responsibility. Activities included a plantation drive, an awareness programme under the theme “Ek Ped Nasha Ke Virudh” and a bird conservation initiative. Principal Prof (Dr) Preetpal Kour highlighted the interconnection between environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation and social well-being.
GDC Ramnagar marked the occasion by organizing a plantation drive under the guidance of acting Principal Dr Ashni Devi. She stressed the need for collective efforts to preserve natural resources and maintain ecological balance for future generations.
Government Degree College Nagrota observed the day with great enthusiasm. A national virtual symposium was jointly organized by the Centre for Environment Education and RUDA under the theme “Inspired by Nature, For Climate, For Our Future.” Students and faculty members from colleges across Jammu, Punjab and Gujarat participated in the event.
GDC Mahanpur also organized a plantation drive under the guidance of Principal Dr Sangeeta Sudan. The programme was conducted by Prof Binti and Dr Sapna Devi.
The Eco Club “Amrita” of Government Degree College, Ramgarh, organized a special programme under the guidance of Principal Dr. Meeru Abrol. A plantation drive was conducted during which various saplings were planted within the college campus and adjoining areas.
GDC Udhampur, under the guidance of the Principal of the college, Dr Bhavnaish Chand, organized a series of events including an environmental awareness programme, plantation drive and cleanliness drive.
Government College of Education, Canal Road, Jammu, celebrated the occasion at Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary in collaboration with Peace Initiative Trust and in partnership with Chinar Uphar Foundation. The programme was organized under the patronage of Principal Dr Jyoti Parihar. The event was graced by Devyansh Yadav, Commissioner, JMC, who stressed the need for community participation in environmental conservation.
GDC Marh, under the aegis of 2 J&K Battalion NCC, Jammu, celebrated the occasion as part of Social Service and Community Development activities. The NCC cadets of the college carried out a plantation drive on the college campus. The event was held under the guidance of Principal Prof Ramneek Kaur and Ashok Kalsi, District Forest Officer (Social Forestry), Jammu.
The NSS Unit of GDC Ramkote celebrated the occasion with great enthusiasm. Speaking on the occasion, Principal Dr Rakesh Kumar Koul emphasized the importance of nurturing environmental consciousness among the youth.
The 4 J&K NCC Battalion of GDC Kathua organized a cleanliness and plantation drive. Principal of the college, Dr Manohar Lal, actively participated in the activity along with various faculty members.
The Department of Environmental Science, in collaboration with the Eco-Club and NSS Unit of Government Degree College Ramban, organized environmental awareness activities with great enthusiasm. The event was organized under the patronage of Prof Romesh Kumar Atri, Principal of the college.
A plantation drive was organized at Nav Adarsh Hr. Sec. School, Kathua, in collaboration with the Kathua Forest Division. Speaking on the occasion, Director of the school, Gandharb Singh Katal, emphasized the importance of a Clean and Green India.
Dewan Devi Public School celebrated the occasion to spread awareness about environmental protection. To mark the day, a series of activities were organized, including a painting competition. Chairman Ashwani Suri, Principal Seloni Suri, Administrator Anirudh Suri and all staff members actively participated by planting saplings.
Jammu Sanskriti School, Kathua, commemorated the occasion by organizing a Cyclothon and Wellness Walkathon. The event was graced by Rajesh Sharma, DC Kathua Vishav Partap Singh, and Assistant Commissioner Revenue Surinder Paul Sharma.
A grand awareness programme was organized at Martyr Major Arvind Bazala Government Boys Higher Secondary School, R.S. Pura, under the guidance of Principal Rachna Tomar. MLA Dr Narendra Singh Raina attended as chief guest, while Forest Range Officer Rakesh Verma was the guest of honour. Both emphasized the importance of public participation in environmental conservation.
An environmental awareness programme was organized today at Lamdon Model School, Diskit, Nubra. The programme was organized by the Block Development Office (BDO), Diskit, with Deputy Commissioner Nubra, Mukul Beniwal, as the chief guest.
Green Field School, Huroo, Budgam, organized a large-scale plantation drive and environmental awareness programme jointly with the Social Forestry Range Budgam, Private Schools Association (PSA) and Green Field School, Huroo, Budgam.
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