Minister for Disaster Management, Relief Rehabilitation & Reconstruction and Floriculture, Javaid Mustafa Mir, Tuesday said that joint efforts are needed to save environment adding that every individual of the society has to play its role for keeping environment neat and clean.The Minister said this, while speaking as chief guest, at a function organized by the Institution of Engineers (India) State Centre, Sonwarbagh, Srinagar, to mark the World Environment Day-2018. The theme of this year's is "Beat Plastic pollution" with the aim to create awareness of the environment and related issues.Chief Information Commissioner, Jammu and Kashmir State Khursheed Ahmad Ganai was guest of honour on the occasion.The Minister said that hazardous impact of pollution on environment is increasing day by day adding that need of the hour is to launch such programmes in the State so that the general masses are made aware so that they can play their role to safeguard environment.Javaid said that people’s cooperation is must to make environment pollution free. He said that it is the collective responsibility of one and all to ensure cleanliness of our environment. The Minister said that the usage of polythene poses gigantic threat to human health and has put negative impact on the environment due to which eco-balance is disturbed and preventive measures have to be taken on war-footing basis to save it.He urged for formulation of comprehensive strategy for stoppage of environmental degradation, saying that environmental disturbance put adverse impact on human health and natural resources.
The Minister said that “Beat Plastic Pollution”, the theme for World Environment 2018, urges governments, industry, communities, and individuals to come together and explore sustainable alternatives and urgently reduce the production and excessive use of polythene and single-use plastic items, which is not only polluting our environment but is threatening human health also.Javaid said while governments may be working out ways to lessen the impact of plastic bags on the environment, however, each citizen of the society should shoulder some of the responsibility for this problem, which ultimately harms us.Minister said plastics are not only non-biodegradable but are one of the major pollutants of the environment. "For a clean and green environment, try to use alternatives to plastic whenever and wherever possible" said the Minister and stressed upon the general masses to cut down use of plastic, and do your bit to save the environment.Chief Information Commissioner, Khursheed Ahmad Ganai, Chairman, Institution of Engineers (India) State Centre, Srinagar, Mohammad Ashraf Fazili, spoke on the occasion. They highlighted the importance of celebrating the event to raise awareness among the masses regarding protection of fragile environment.Editor, Ziraat Times Arjumand Hussain Talib, and Chairman, Ahsan Foundation (NGO) Rahi Reyaz Ahmad, while speaking on the occasion gave some valuable suggestion to tackle the solid waste management.On the occasion a short film prepared by MERC, University of Kashmir on environmental issues presented by Abdul Rasahid Bhat were also screened.Besides the Director, Disaster Management Authority Aamir Ali, large number of serving and retired engineers, engineering students and media fraternity were present on the occasion.