In connection with "World Environment Day-2018", Department of Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing organized a week-long function at SKICC with a theme of 'Beat Plastic Pollution' here today.Minister of State for Forest, Environment and Ecology, Mir Zahoor Ahmad was the chief guest on the occasion.Speaking on the occasion, Mir Zahoor, said the entire world is confronted with immense environmental issues and a sustainable lifestyle, through Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, is an answer to a majority of our problems.While referring to the challenges being faced by the people due to depleting water table, deforestation and environment pollution, the Minister said it is our collective responsibility to work for the protection of the environment and stressed on the participants to sensitize people about the hazardous effects of pollution.The Minister said that environmental disturbance puts adverse impact on human health and natural resources thereby causing imbalance to our ecological system. He said that need of the hour is to adopt a comprehensive policy that aims to protect our fragile environment.
Mir Zahoor urged upon the people to plant more trees which helps in controlling the pollution and providing a healthy environment.He added that there is a need of creating strong awareness among the masses at all levels and it is the collective responsibility of all the members of the society in addition to Government agencies and NGOs.Commissioner Secretary Forest, Environment and Ecology, Saurabh Baghat, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests M M Pant, Chief Wildlife Warden, Ravi Kumar Kesar, Director Environment and Ecology O.P Sharma, VC LAWDA, Abdul Hafeez Shah, NGOs/Civil Society Members and students of various schools spoke on the occasion. They highlighted the importance of celebrating the event and raise awareness among the masses regarding protection of environment.Earlier, the Department of Environment screened a short film regarding disposing of waste management and how to prevent pollution. The Minister also released various books including Special Study on Dal &Nigeen Lake and Rakh-e-Arat.The students of Government Girls Higher Secondary Schools, Kothi Bagh and Amirakadal, GHSS Boys, Pulwama presented a sketch to highlight the need of environmental protection.The Minister also distributed Awards among the students who participated in various competitions organised by the department of environment and remote sensing.