The World Environment Week-2015 celebrations which began on June 5 across the State, concluded with an impressive awareness programme held here today at the Forest Information Center at Bikram Chowk.The Minister for Forests, Environment & Ecology, Bali Bhagat presided over the awareness event.Director Environment, Ecology & Remote Sensing, Suresh Chugh, Conservator of Forests, Mr. B.M. Sharma, DFO, Jammu, Mr. V.S. Senthil, several officers of different wings of Forest Department, environmentalists, educationists, teachers and students of different schools were also present on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that conservation of environment and natural resources is a great challenge for every nation and needs a collective approach. He said efforts at the Government level are not sufficient and every individual has to contribute in this noble cause.
Expressing concern over the constant degradation of environment and depleting natural resources in the State, Mr. Bali said the State Government has already launched a vigorous awareness and anti-encroachment campaign across the state.
“With the result, the Department has successfully retrieved over 3100 kanals of encroached forest land from the possession of illegal occupants,” he added. He said the drive is aimed at saving the precious green wealth, which he said has been grabbed by people across the State. He sought people’s cooperation in the campaign started to restore and conserve the rich natural resources.Appreciating the efforts of the Department of Environment towards the conservation of environment and state’s diverse ecology, the Minister called for launching a massive campaign with the active involvement of educational institutions, NGOs and experts to spread awareness about the practices in day to day life which lead to pollution and degradation of environment. He said there is a need to sensitize the people about their duty towards conservation of the natural resources. He stressed the need for organizing frequent informative workshops/seminars across the State on the subject to generate awareness among the masses.
He said students can be the best ambassadors for disseminating the message of healthy environment and importance of planting more and more trees. “For this we need to focus and encourage environmental conservation activities in the educational institutions”, said the Minister.The Director Environment, Ecology & Remote Sensing gave details about the weeklong activities held across the State in connection with the world environment week.On the occasion, a painting/slogan writing competition on the theme of preservation of forests, environment and water bodies was also organized by the Department. Scores of students drawn from various schools participated in the competition.The students also highlighted the importance of healthy environment and ecology through cultural items and skits presented on the occasion. These were highly appreciated by the audience.Later the Minister gave away prizes to the participating students who excelled in the competitions.