Pampore: In a remarkable stride towards environmental conservation, the Green Campus Programme (GCP), a venture by The Climate Reality Project, India, is currently underway in schools and colleges across Kashmir.
This initiative, guided by the mission to create urgent action for climate change, is making significant progress in transforming conventional educational spaces into eco-friendly, sustainable environments.
The GCP stands as a beacon of change, enabling educational institutions to conserve natural resources, reduce water consumption, optimize energy efficiency, and minimize waste generation. Moreover, the programme focuses on educating both teachers and students about climate change and sustainable practices, nurturing a generation well-versed in environmental stewardship.
Rekha Laala, Lead of the Green Campus Programme, highlighted the methodology behind their success. “Our approach involves three key steps. Awareness, Action, and Award,” she explained. The programme began with intensive training for teachers conducted by expert consultants specializing in Air, Water, Biodiversity, Climate Action, Energy, and Waste management. Subsequent actions include practical implementations like rainwater harvesting, composting, usage of energy-efficient equipment, and solar panel installations. After rigorous audits, schools demonstrating exceptional commitment are recognized as Green Campuses and honoured with relevant awards.
Speaking to Kashmir Reader Aadil Bhat, Green Campus Programme Manager of GCP, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response from schools since the project’s commencement in June. He acknowledged the crucial support from the Department of School Education, Kashmir (DSEK), which provided access to 100 government schools across all 10 districts of the valley. Additionally, the GCP is actively collaborating with 50 private schools, extending its influence to various corners of the valley.
Bhat emphasized, “We have a dedicated team of 6 consultants working diligently on various aspects of sustainability. Furthermore, we have successfully trained 10,000 teachers in different states of India, including Maharashtra, Delhi, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and others. Aadil Bhat told Kashmir Reader that In the Kashmir Valley alone, 400 teachers have received specialized training, contributing significantly to the programme’s regional impact.”
Advisor Adv Nadeem Qadri who is the Advisor of the Green Campus Programme and Programme Coordinator Nadeem Ahmad Dar are playing pivotal roles in the GCP, ensuring its success and impactful implementation. Their guidance and dedication underscore the programme’s commitment to creating eco-conscious educational spaces, paving the way for a sustainable future not just in Kashmir, but also serving as a model for similar initiatives worldwide.
Green Campus prog transforms Kashmir’s educational institutions
