In a strategic move to foster sustainable development and urban ecological balance, Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Mandeep Kaur, today visited the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) to evaluate the University’s pioneering Green Campus initiatives.
The Commissioner Secretary was accompanied by Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Faz Lul Haseeb. The delegation conducted an on-site inspection of the university’s comprehensive sustainability ecosystem. The visit highlighted SKUAST-K's successful implementation of a zero-waste campus model, which included advanced rainwater harvesting systems, Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and plastic waste management protocols.
Following the tour, an exclusive meeting was convened by Commissioner Secretary with Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Professor Nazir Ahmad Ganai, alongside senior officers from the university. The discussions centered on finalizing a comprehensive roadmap to further strengthen and scale these green campus objectives, ensuring that the integration of nature, resource conservation and technology remains at the forefront of the institution’s growth.
During the session, Mandeep Kaur appreciated university’s proactive approach towards environmental stewardship. She highlighted the intent to replicate the successful green models, particularly water conservation and waste recycling mechanisms, established at SKUAST-K across various other government initiatives and public sector projects.
"The work being done here at SKUAST-K serves as a vital, replicable blueprint for our future urban planning. By integrating these scalable green practices such as effective STP management and comprehensive plastic waste reduction into wider government projects, we aim to create more resilient, energy-efficient and environmentally conscious public spaces across the region”, maintained the Commissioner Secretary.
The University leadership reaffirmed its commitment towards providing technical expertise and knowledge support to the Urban Development Department, ensuring a collaborative effort in achieving long-term sustainability goals. The roadmap discussed today marks a significant step towards institutionalizing green governance and promoting sustainable development as a core pillar of public infrastructure.