Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA), in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir Forest Department, celebrated World Environment Day with great enthusiasm at the Auditorium Hall of High School Kaloosa, Bandipora.
This year’s theme focused on environmental awareness, tackling plastic pollution, and youth engagement. The event was presided over by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Manzoor Ahmad Qadri, who emphasized the urgent need to address plastic pollution and lamented the fading use of traditional, eco-friendly practices such as carrying cloth and jute bags.
Urging a collective commitment, he called upon all attendees to take a pledge to eliminate single-use plastics and promote sustainable alternatives. On the occasion, DC highlighted the ecological significance of Wular Lake, a vital source of livelihood through fisheries and water chestnut harvesting, as well as a symbol of natural beauty.
He reiterated the administration’s commitment to conserving such eco-sensitive zones. Measures like the polythene ban, enhanced solid waste management under Swachhta Grameen (RDD), and Bandipora Municipality’s progress in source-level segregation were applauded.
He also informed that land has been earmarked for establishing a scientific solid waste management facility, which will further improve the district’s environmental infrastructure. Project Coordinator at WUCMA inspired the students with a passionate address, urging them to become ‘Ambassadors of Change.’
He outlined practical steps youth can adopt such as tree plantation, rejecting plastic, creative recycling, conserving water, respecting water bodies like Wular, and adopting green transport. Linking environmental responsibility with cultural identity, he emphasized the need to understand and use the regional languages to effectively engage local communities.
The programme featured debates, skits, and an environmental song performed by students, creatively portraying the environmental challenges and offering inspiring solutions. These performances served as a powerful reminder of the role individuals play in environmental conservation.
Earlier, DC planted a sapling in the school compound as a symbol of hope and collective resolve for a greener future. He also flagged-off a student rally along the banks of Madhumati Nallah, where students raised slogans on cleanliness and environmental awareness with great zeal.
The event was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Bandipora, Zaffar Husson Shawl; Tehsildar Bandipora, Range Officers from the Forest Division and WUCMA, civil society representatives, and other dignitaries.