AWANTIPORA: To commemorate the ‘Earth Day’ celebrations and to create an awareness about environmental protection, a One Day Seminar and day long event was today organised at Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) in which Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Pandurang K. Pole was the Chief Guest.
The event was co-organised by Dean of Students office and Mantaqi Centre for Science and Society IUST.
Addressing the gathering, the Div Com deliberated upon various environmental issues including visual pollution, rejuvenation of water bodies, aesthetics of physical infrastructure and natural resource management in Kashmir. He gave detailed account of the government initiatives aimed at protection and conservation of environment and called on youth to partner in developing a sustainable future.
Vice Chancellor, IUST Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, in his presidential address, emphasized the need for creating environmental consciousness among the general public, particularly youth. He said that everyone of us have to be grateful for everything that the mother earth has to offer.
“We (Govt, businesses, ordinary citizens) have to be accountable and invest in our planet for a safe and sustainable future and people must advocate action for the protection of environment and for minimising climate change impacts,” Prof. Romshoo added.
Reputed environmentalist, Sumaira Abdul Ali delivered an online lecture and highlighted the destructive impact of sand mining and noise pollution which are often ignored and stressed upon the need to highlight their adverse impacts on ecology and human health respectively.
Dean Academic Affairs IUST Prof Manzoor A. Malik, presented the concluding remarks and talked about the global nature of the world wherein action in one part of the world have impacts elsewhere.
A Painting Competition on the theme “Preservation of Earth” and a campus cleanliness drive were also held on the side lines of the event and prizes were also distributed among the students by Registrar IUST Prof. Naseer Iqbal.
Vote of thanks was proposed by Director Mantaqui Centre for Science and Society, Prof. Peerzada Mohammad Amin and welcome address was delivered by Dean Students, IUST Dr. Anisa Jan. The event was jointly coordinated by Dr. Aijaz Ahmad Qureshi, Dr. Asifa M. Baba and Isma Hamid.