KULGAM: World Environment Day 2025 was celebrated with great enthusiasm across District Kulgam, with Forest department, Pollution Control Committee Kulgam, educational institutions, and other organizations coming together to promote environmental awareness and action under this year theme, Ending Plastic Pollution Globally under the slogan One Nation, One Mission: End Plastic Pollution.
On the occasion, a series of impactful events and initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable practices and protecting the environment were held.
Special Forest Division Kulgam led a wide array of awareness and action-oriented programmes throughout the district. These events witnessed the active participation of students, local communities, forest officials, environmental volunteers, and representatives from various departments and institutions.
Similarly, a mega event was held at D.H. Pora, presided over by Sub-divisional Magistrate D.H. Pora. Other officers, including Principal GDC D.H. Pora, Tehsildar and other officers, participated in the event.
Key highlights of the celebrations included plantation drives conducted at multiple locations across the district to restore green cover and enhance ecological balance, anti-plastic drives carried out in public areas, markets and forest fringes to collect and dispose-off plastic waste while discouraging single-use plastics, and painting competitions among school students to promote creative expression of environmental themes.
Awareness programmes on plastic pollution, ecosystem restoration, and responsible consumer behavior were held in collaboration with educational institutions and NGOs. Participants also took Swachhta pledges, committing themselves to environmental cleanliness, responsible waste management, and reducing plastic usage.
During these events, participants were sensitized about the harmful impacts of plastic pollution on biodiversity, water bodies, soil health, and overall ecological well-being.
Speakers emphasized the urgent need for collective action, including the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives, proper waste segregation, and reducing dependence on plastics.
At the Govt. Degree College Kulgam, a grand function was held to commemorate the World Environment Day campaign-2025.
Principal of the college, Prof. (Dr.) Mohd Abass Shah emphasized on the importance of carrying out such activities to save humanity from the deleterious effects of aggravated plastic pollution.
Prof. (Dr.) Javeed Iqbal Ahmad Bhat, Professor and Head, Division of Basic Sciences & Humanities, Faculty of Horticulture, SKUAST-K in his lead talk gave a detailed presentation on the theme decorating a picture depicting the infinite consequences of plastic pollution. He also highlighted various strategies to end plastic and microplastic pollution.
The program was attended by the students and the staff of the college, particularly Dr. Shaista Masarat, Prof. Shamim Ahmad Hakim, Dr. Aijaz Ahmad Wachkoo and Dr. Ahsan Ul Haq Ahrar. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Aadil Hamid, one of the organising secretaries of the program.
Also, the Govt. Degree College Frisal organised a Seminar on ‘Safe and Clean Environment for Everyone’ on the Eve of the celebration of World Environment Day.
The Seminar began with the inaugural speech of Dr.Ishtiyaq Ahmad Shah, Principal of the College, who persuaded the audience about the importance of a safe and clean environment for all and the role the students can play in keeping the environment neat and clean.
All the staff members and the students participated in the program.
