Srinagar, Jul 7 (JKNS): In a significant step towards strengthening community led environmental action, the MEERC Council of the Private Schools’ Association Jammu & Kashmir (PSAJK) in collaboration with the Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation (NLCO) convened a multi stakeholder dialogue on environmental sustainability, waste management, and civic responsibility.
The event brought together policymakers, environmentalists, educationists, government officials, and civil society representatives under one roof under the title Dont Waste The Future at the Institution of Engineers (India), Church Lane, Srinagar.
The programme was attended MLA M Y Tarigami as the chief guest who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Environment, J&K Legislative Assembly.
Former Advisor to the J&K Governor Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, Joint Director Tourism Kashmir Waseem Raja, , Mr. Farooq A. Gillani, (IFS Retd.), Padma Shri S P Verma, President PSAJK Dr. Baba Nazrul Islam, Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat social activist along with NLCO Core Group members Dr. Farooq Peer, Aijaz Naqshbandi, and Peerzada Faiyaz Ahmad.
The programme was moderated by Advocate Nadeem Qadri, while the welcome address was delivered by Dr. Baba Nazrul Islam and the vote of thanks was deliverd by president Rotary Club of Kashmir Dr. Tauseef Ahmad Bhat.
Addressing the gathering, NLCO Chairman Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo emphasized that environmental conservation can no longer remain the sole responsibility of government agencies.
He called for active public participation, particularly by educational institutions, describing students as the most powerful ambassadors of environmental stewardship.
The PSAJK shall work with the academicians to form HPC which will add portfolio development in our circulumn and within a span of one year the association shall adopt green campuses all across J&K.
The dialogue culminated in the unanimous adoption of five resolutions that will guide future collaborative initiatives between NLCO, PSAJK, educational institutions, and civil society.
The resolutions includes restoration and conservation of Brari Nambal, adoption of ten public and religious spaces for cleanliness and beautification, launch of the Green Campus and safe surroundings initiative in and around schools, student signature campaign highlighting concerns related to the stray dog menace and student mass awareness and action on solid waste management reaching each household.
Speaking on the occasion, the guests appreciated NLCO’s and PSAJK sustained efforts in promoting environmental action and commended the organisations for building meaningful partnerships between government institutions, schools, environmental experts, and civil society.
The speakers unanimously stressed that environmental stewardship must move beyond awareness programmes and translate into sustained action through community participation, responsible waste management, restoration of natural ecosystems, and active youth engagement.
Chairman NLCO Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to transform the resolutions into measurable action on the ground.
“Real change begins when institutions, communities, and citizens work together. These resolutions are not merely commitments on paper but a roadmap towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Kashmir,” he said.
PSAJK called upon schools, students, parents, government departments, civil society organizations and citizens to work collectively towards building a clean, green and sustainable and environmentally responsible Jammu and Kashmir.
The Green Marathon programme starting from Kupwara and Green Campus Program was initiated by Adv. Nadeem Qadri who is also the Advisor, to the J&K chapter of The Climate Reality Project India and South Asia. (JKNS)
