Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 5: World Environment Day was celebrated across the State with enthusiasm and zeal.
Underlining need for collective efforts for protection of environment, the Minister for Forest, Environment and Ecology Mian Altaf has said that conservation of forests and afforestation are equally important for checking saving environment and pollution control in the State.
The Minister was addressing at a function, organized by Department of Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing in connection with celebrations of World Environment Day here at SKUAST Auditorium Shalimar today.
Vice Chancellor, SKUAST, Principal Chief Conservator Forests, Environmentalist, Nazir Benazir and Director, Ecology Environment and Remote Sensing (EE&RS), Suresh Chugh, Regional Director, EE&RC, Abdul Rashid Mir were also present.
Earlier, the students of different schools participated in the debate on environment day. A skirt was also presented by the school children on the occasion.
Later, the Minister also released ENVIS Newsletter and annual report for 2012-2013 of EE&RS Department. Minister gave away prizes among the students bagged first, second and third positions respectively.
Department of Ecology Environment and Remote Sensing organised an environmental awareness programme at Environment Park Raika Jammu on the inaugural ceremony of World Environment Week. Students from various schools participated and expressed their talent while taking part in the rally, symposium and painting competition. Suresh Gupta, Chief Conservator of Forests was the chief guest while as Faheem Tak was guest of honour. RD Chalotra Regional Director, Neha Mehta, Environmental Soil Conservationist and Irshad Masoom, Range Officer (Mass Media) were also present. In Symposium, Palak, Mehnza and Salma from Environmental Education Institute were declared first, second and third respectively, where as the consolation prizes won by Vishakha from Little Buds Public school. In Painting competition (junior level), Tamana Kumari from Little Buds school, Preeti Singh and Ayushi were declared first, second and third respectively, where as the consolation prizes won by Nazia from Vidya Niketan Public School. In senior Level, Jatin Bagotra from Little Buds Public School, Shabir Alam and Prachi were declared first, second and third respectively, where as the consolation prizes was bagged by Neha Verma from Environmental Education Institute.
Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu, in collaboration with J&K Almi Khudai Khidmatgar Association and Society for Environmental Education and Research, organized one day event on World Environment Day. This was also in culmination of the week long awareness activities taken up in three schools of the city namely Activity Public Higher Secondary School, Janipur, Dewan Devi Higher Secondary School, Rajpura Magotrian and Shiksha Niketan Senior Secondary School, Jeewan Nagar, where declamation contest and on spot painting competition on environmental pollution were held. Lectures by prominent speakers on the subject also made a part of the activity, involving the students of these schools and scholars of the department. The department also held an inter-school declamation and painting competition. Prof Emeritus SPS Dutta, the chief guest while Prof RK Rampal, Head of the Department, Environmental Sciences, Dr Baseerat Singh, Vice President J&K AKKA, Dr Neeraj Sharma, Incharge, IME Bhaderwah Campus, Rakesh Attri Assistant Prof and Dr Sanjay Sharma, Associate Prof were also present.
On the occasion of World Environment Day, Department of Environmental Science in collaboration with Centre of Research for Development (CORD), University of Kashmir organized day-long seminar on United Nations declared theme for 2014 ‘Climate Change’ and slogan ‘Raise your Voice, not the sea level’. While speaking Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof AM Shah and guest of honour Prof MA Sofi spoke about the importance of the day. Registrar, Prof Zafar A Reshi, Controller of Examinations, Prof AS Bhat, HoD Environmental Science and Director CORD, Prof BA Ganai, Prof Emeritus, Prof M Zahoor Chisti, Dean Faculty of Biological Sciences, Prof Akbar Masood, Dean and Head, Education, Prof Mehmood Khan, HoD Biotechnology, Prof KM Fazil, HoD Earth Sciences Prof Shakil Romshu, Prof Inayatullah Tahir, Prof AK Pandita, Director, EMMRC, Dr Shahid Rasool, Prof Shaida Indrabi besides senior faculty of departments were also present on the occasion. During the course of the day long event, students from various departments of the University as well as PG students from colleges delved on topics. Prizes were distributed to the best speakers at the valedictory.
World Environment Day was celebrated in the Centre for Biodiversity Studies, BGSB University, Rajouri, in which staff, research scholars of the Department, Dean, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology and Principal Polytechnic College, BGSB University participated. An eco-walk was organized in the Pir Panjal Biodiversity Park of the BGSB University.
Vice Chancellor BGSBU in his message emphasized upon the significance of such sensitization drives so that the message of saving biodiversity to reverse the trends of climate should reach every nook and corner of the region.
GLDM Degree College Hiranagar celebrated World Environment Day. During the function a poster making competition on various themes vis-à-vis Environment Conservation and Biodiversity Conservation was held where in students participated with zeal. Principal of the institution Prof Kartar Chand Badgal called for mass awareness to the protect environment.
On the occasion of World Environment Day, GDC Banihal organized a symposium on the topic “Environment Safety a Challenge”, in which nine students expressed their views. Dr Anil Gupta, Principal of the institution highlighted the importance of saving the environment.
NSS Club of Sai Shyam College of Education Ghou-Manhasan celebrated “World Environmental Day”, in which students and staff of BEd Department and Sai Shyam Public School participated. CL Tickoo, Chairman of Sai Shyam Educational Society was the chief guest. A symposium was organized on the topic “Our Environment and how to save it”, in which students and teachers both from college and school shared their views. Dr Usha Tickoo, Principal of the College, Sheetu Raina, Lecturer of the College and Kanchan Sharma, incharge NSS Club of the College were also present. Certificates of participation were given away to the participants.
Beacon College of Education (BCE), Kote Bhalwal celebrated World Environment Day. A plantation drive was organized by the Environment Unit of the college. Rajan Sharma, Director BCE, Prof Rama Koul, Principal, Anil Jyoti Sharma, incharge Environment Unit along with students and faculty members planted 60 saplings in the college campus. A debate on the theme “Biodiversity: Connecting with Nature” was also organized.
MIER College of Education celebrated World Environment Day, in which students of the college participated with enthusiasm. To bring the students closer to nature and explore the gifts it has embedded in its lap they were encouraged to look after the plants planted in the campus. They watered the plants, removed weeds and planted more trees and also organized a clean-up campaign. Dr Renu Gupta, Director, MIER and Monika Bajaj, Incharge Environment Unit highlighted the importance of the day.
NSS Unit of Vimal Muni College of Education organized “Tree Plantation Drive” to observe the World Environment Day in its new campus at Bara, Vijaypur. The plantation drive was inaugurated by the Chairperson of the College Anu Gupta. Students planted near about 50 new plants. The NSS volunteers presented speeches, skits and also songs on nature. Dr SD Gupta also threw light on the importance of the day. NSS Programme Officer Urmal Sharma presented vote of thanks.
NSS unit of Kawa College of Education celebrated World Environment Day by organizing a symposium on the topic “How to Save Environment”. Dr Anita Bali, Principal of the college threw light on the importance of the day. Gopali Jamwal, Priya Darshni and Mamta Sharma emerged winner in symposium. Madhu Sharma, NSS programme officer was also present.
On the eve of World Environment Day, a function was held at Government Higher Secondary School, Aloosa with its Principal, GM Lone in chair. School staff, students and locals were also present. The speakers on the occasion stressed for taking steps both jointly and individually to save the environment. Later, the students took a rally during which people were made aware regarding the importance of saving water resources and forests.
World Environment Day was celebrated in Delhi Public School, Jammu today. ‘Environment Talk Show’ was organized for the students of the Middle Wing under one global theme ‘Threat posed by Global warming’. Many students were also busy in other activities like Poster Making, Tree Plantation, Slogan Writing and Cleanliness Drive. Meenu Gupta, Headmistress and Dr D Joseph, Additional Director/Principal highlighted the importance of the day.
A special morning assembly was organized to commemorate World Environment Day at Vishwa Bharati Higher Secondary School. On the occasion, Prof Annapurna Koul was the chief guest, who while speaking threw light on the importance of the day. Senior students and teachers also expressed their views.
GLS Public School, Amar Colony, Gole Gujral Road celebrated World Environment Day. The students took out a rally from Talab Tillo Chowk to Bohri. Drawing and Essay Writing Competitions were also organized. The students distributed Awareness Pamphlets during the rally, emphasizing the need and steps to be taken to save the “Mother Earth”.
On the occasion of ‘World Environment Day’, Delhi Public School, Udhampur organized an awareness programme for the students in which activities like plantation, clean up drive, poster making, banner making, paper bags, recycling of papers and skits oriented to environmental guidance were performed in school campus. Sanjeev Pardhan, Principal, Sucheta Gupta, Vice Principal along with staff members were also present.
New Era Environmental High School, Circular Road celebrated World Environment Day. On the occasion, students performed various activities including skits, paintings, skits and also read papers. Maitree Jain, Vice Principal of the institution highlighted the importance of the day.
Jiyo Aur Jeene Do, NGO organized a programme at Government Girls high School, TT School to celebrate World Environment Day. The programme was co-ordinate by the NGO member, Aftab Bali. The programme involved a plantation drive in which a great variety of trees were planted in the school premises by NGO Chairman Tariq Shah as well as NGO members. Principal of the school Mridula Sharma also participated in the plantation drive.
On the eve of World Environment Day, Vichar Kranti Manch International organized a Painting Competition on the theme “Environment and its Impact on Human Life” at Himmat Learning Field Higher Secondary School, Channi Himmat, where in students of various educational institutions participated. On the occasion, the chief guest was ID Soni, State Commissioner, Bharat Scouts and Guides. Naushad Hussain of NSK High School, Channi Himmat, Suman of Himmat Learning Field Higher Secondary School Channi Himmat, Komal Sharma of Government Higher Secondary School Channi Himmat, stood first, second and third respectively.
Aadarsh Bhartiya Samaj celebrated World Environment Day. Dr Daljeet Singh, President Aadarsh Bhartiya Samaj, Dr Charanjeet Sharma and Dr Netar Parkash Sharma threw light on the importance of the day. Among others present were Parveen Sharma, Yogita Isher, Sudesh Raina and Dr Ved Parkash Shastri.
The Inner Call, forum for evolution, development and awareness today concluded the Environment Week at the Government Women College, Srinagar. A round table discussion, a tree talk, a Green walk and the signature campaign were the highlights of the week. An environment week competition was also organized wherein posters, projects and write-ups were invited. On concluding day, Roma Wani, Chairperson, The Inner Call enlightened the participants with a different concept of environment. In the end, secretary, The Inner Call Affan Yesvi presented vote of thanks.
Launching cleanliness drive, students of A to Z Institute of Education, Dhanore, Rajouri observed World Environment Day in which students, parents, teachers and local residents participated. The programme was organised under the guidance of Mohammad Sageer Mirza and Zubair Ahmed Mirza, administrators of School in which staff members including Principal Mohammad Arif, Sunita Gupta, Engineer Ashiq Lone, Engineer Khursheed Rather, Mehmood Ahmed and students spoke on the occasion.
On the eve of “World Environment Day”, an awareness programme was today organized by Tehsil Legal Services Committee (TLSC) Bijbehara in co-ordination with Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Bijbehara. Chairman, TLSC, who is also the Sub-Judge, Bijbehara, while speaking on the occasion highlighted the role of students in protection of the environment. Tehsildar Bijbehara, Principal Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Bijbehara and members of Bar Association Bijbehara were also present.
Underprivileged street children enrolled under project PAHL of Damodhar Satri Udyog Sanstha celebrated World Environment Day. On the occasion a special lecture was delivered by the Chairman of the Sanstha, Onkar Nath Chandra and other faculty members teaching around 300 students. The theme of the special lecture was “Saving Environment for a Healthy Life Style”. Vijay Zadoo, trustee, Secretary Sunita Chandra and SK Zadoo highlighted the importance of the day.
In commemoration of World Environment Day, a colourful symposium was organized by District Pollution Control Board in collaboration with Shri Swastik Charitable Trust Jammu, Beopar Mandal Ramban and an NGO Green Alternatives at Community Hall Ramban. ADDC Ramban Pradeep Kumar was the chief guest. Kuldeep Bhan-Divisional Pollution Control Board Officer Ramban presented welcome address. Students from various schools of the district participated in the debate. On the occasion, Engineers from the Leighton Construction Company deployed at Nashri tunnel revealed how their company undertook necessary measures for protection of environment at their work place. The event culminated with the award giving ceremony among the meritorious students.
Institution of Engineers (India), Jammu Local Centre celebrated World Environment Day. A seminar on the topic “Small Islands and Climate Change” with the slogan “Raise Your Voice not the Sea Level” was organized in which large number of engineers, environment lovers, academicians and members of the civil society participated. Dr CM Seth, Chairperson, WWF-India, J&K State was the chief guest, while Dr Raj Kumar Rampal, Head, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu was the guest of honour. Er BB Sharma, FIE, immediate past Chairman of the Jammu Local Centre presided over the function.
On the eve of World Environment Day, Shakti Punj Organization organized a demonstration in Hiranagar town to aware the people regarding the wastage of ground water and other related environmental issues. Number of Panchs, Sarpanchs, intellectuals all political parties and organizations and youth gathered here in Hiranagar town to lodge the grievance related to the wastage of ground water in Hiranagar tehsil particularly in Hiranagar town. Later, a memorandum was submitted to tehsildar Hiranagar for higher authorities and Chief Minister.
On the occasion of World Environment Day, Indian council for Enviro-Legal Action (ICELA) organized one day State ICELA executive committee session. Addressing the gathering, Ashok Sharma, Convener has demanded establishment of Environment Courts and declaration of forest policy for J&K. Vidya Sagar in his presidential address stressed on the need of creating environment awareness on the grass root level.
To commemorate World Environment Day, Social Organisation for Universal Living (SOUL) organized a plantation drive, wherein free of cost saplings were distributed among the people. “Through this initiative, SOUL aims to increase plant cover by giving away the saplings that require little special maintenance”, said Pardeep Singh Bali, President SOUL. During the course of the drive, Vice-President, SOUL, K Koushal urged the people to realize the need of saving the environment.