Kulgam: The World Environment Day 2024 was celebrated on Wednesday by the Department of Environmental Science, Govt. Degree College Kulgam in collaboration with the NCC/NSS units of the college on the theme “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience”.
The principal of the college, Prof. Syed Eazaz Hussain Rizvi, addressed the gathering on World Environment Day. He emphasised the paramount importance of addressing land restoration and the impacts of drought on humans.
Dr. Khalid Muzamil Gani, Assistant Professor (Environmental Engineering) at the Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Srinagar, was the invited speaker on the occasion.
He said that the technological options for the revival of the water cycle and sources must be utilised.
“The various technological options available for the restoration of water bodies and pollution control need to be put into motion, and special emphasis should be given to wastewater recycling,” he added.
Dr. Gowhar Hamid Dar, the organising secretary of the programme, spoke about the historical importance of World Environment Day and elaborated on the significance of land restoration.
He said that the negative impacts of desertification and drought need to be addressed.
During the programme, the students also made presentations on the topic and expressed their views on the theme.
The student presentations were judged by Prof. Mohd Altaf Sofi and Dr. Bilal Ahmad Shah. The first position was awarded to Zainab Naushad, the second to Muskana Abass, and the third to Shabeena Shahi.
Later, Dr. Aijaz Ahmad Wachkoo, Assistant Professor of Zoology, gave a vote of thanks. He said that the programme is more about amplifying group efforts so the environment is protected and humans live in harmony with nature.