SRINAGAR: World Environment Day 2021 with a theme ‘Ecosystem Restoration.’ was celebrated at main campus Shalimar under the chairmanship of Prof. J. P. Sharma, Honorable Vice-Chancellor SKUAST J&K as a part of formal launch of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030. Dr Sumati Sharma, the first lady of the Varsity & Chief Scientist at DRDO was the Guest of honour. Prof. Sarfaraz A. Wani, Director Research, Prof. Gul Zafar, Registrar and Prof. M. A. Khan, Director Education, Deans/Associate Deans of Subject Matter Faculties, Associate Directors, Heads of Divisions, Heads of KVKs, Scientists, Students and personnel from press and media attended the event. In inaugural address, the Vice-chancellor sensitized the audience with the importance of celebrating world environment day under the present changing climatic scenario and the need for adopting smart climate practices in agriculture and allied sectors to harvest optimum yields. He emphasized developing greener technologies for sustainable mitigation of global warming and environmental degradation.
Prof Sumati Sharma made a specific mention of the role of government agencies, scientific communities, civil societies and other stakeholders for ecosystem restoration through strong networking and balancing greed over need. She also emphasized on looking beyond celebrations and implementation of theme based message restoration and conservation of environment, animal and human health. Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, Director Extension expressed the need for unified efforts for restoration of the ecosystem’s glory. He exemplified the message with the Padma Shree awardee and popularly known as ‘Forest Man of India’, Jadav “Molai” Payeng, an environmental activist and forestry worker from Mauli (Assam) credited for converting 200 hectares of barren & degraded area to a lush green forest. Students of the university through Skit conveyed a beautiful message of self-reliance and individual contributions in conservation of environment and natural resources and emphasized on joint efforts to combat environmental degradation. Prof. Afshan Gul conducted the proceedings of the program and Prof. Amal Saxena presented the vote of thanks with a pledge to bring awareness of restoration and conservation through the directorate of extension.

KR Desk