On World Environment Day, Department of Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing (DEE&RS) today organized various online competitions.The theme for this year was “Biodiversity” with online video messages on the website of the department being used to mark the day.On the occasion, an online painting competition and an essay competition for two groups of school children and a group of ynder graduate and post graduate students was organized. Besides an open competition for Photography/digital art was also organised.The online competition received an overwhelming response. In all nearly 300 entries were received. In the painting competition under Group A: 3rd to 8th Class, Tibba Nissar Kuchay (5th Class) of Delhi Public School was the winner and in Group B 9th to 12th Class : Syed Zeeshan of 12th Class, Classic Public High School, Baramulla was declared as winner.In the essay competition in Group A: 8th to 12th Class, Afflaha Shamim (12th Class) Govt Girls Hr. Sec. School Amirakadal was adjudged as winner and in Group B: Bachelors to Masters, Haneet Kaur of Cluster University, Jammu was declared as winner. While in Photography and digital art competition which was open to all, Ansar Ahmad won the Photography Competition and Zakin Zargar was adjudged winner in Digital Art Competition.
Speaking on the occasion, through video message, Commissioner Secretary, Forests, Environment and Ecology, Sarita Chauhan said that protection of environment is responsibility of all and the department is at forefront of protecting environment and repairing the damages caused by human activities.She added that the department is in the process of preparing the peoples biodiversity register which will be a handy guide for general public and researchers.While speaking on the occasion, Chairman Pollution Control Board, Suresh Chugh said that during the COVID-19, the lockdown has shown the positive impact on reduction of pollution in terms of less solid waste, less sewage, less vehicular movement etc, paving way for rejuvenation and healing of nature.Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, J&K, Dr Mohit Gera gave a brief about biodiversity wealth of J&K general and flora in particular.Chief Wildlife Warden, J&K, Suresh Gupta, Dr Neelu Gera, PCCF/Director, Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing Department and representatives from various NGOs including Aamir Wali of WCF-JK and Nazir Benazir (NGO) also shared their views on the occasion.