SRINAGAR: Government College for Women (GCW), M.A. Road, Srinagar, has achieved a major milestone in its sustainability journey by being conferred the Prestigious Gold Award for Green Campus and Sustainable Initiatives by Climate Reality Project: India & South Asia, one of the region’s leading environmental and climate action networks.
The award recognizes the college’s sustained commitment to environmental stewardship and its successful implementation of innovative green practices across the campus. It places GCW M.A. Road among the leading educational institutions working towards sustainability, climate resilience, and environmental responsibility.
The recognition comes as a result of the college’s year-round efforts in promoting sustainable development through initiatives such as air quality monitoring, solar energy adoption, waste segregation and composting, rainwater harvesting, biodiversity conservation, green cover expansion, heritage clean-up drives, plantation campaigns, and environmental awareness programmes. These initiatives have significantly contributed to creating an environmentally conscious campus culture while inspiring students to become responsible environmental citizens.
The award was formally announced during the valedictory function of the week-long Environmental Week Celebrations, organized from June 1 to June 6, 2026, under the World Environment Day theme “Inspired by Nature: For Climate, For Our Future.”
The programme was organized by the Eco Club in collaboration with the NSS Units of the College under the patronage of the worthy Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Yasmeen Farooq. The Eco Club, comprising faculty members from the Departments of Environmental Science, Botany, and Water Management, coordinated the celebrations under the convenorship of Dr. Asiya Nazir, Head, Department of Environmental Science.
Speaking on the occasion, Principal Prof. (Dr.) Yasmeen Farooq congratulated the students, faculty, and staff on the remarkable achievement and described the award as a reflection of the institution’s collective commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development. She reiterated the college’s resolve to further strengthen green practices and contribute meaningfully towards climate action and ecological conservation.
The week-long Environmental Week celebrations witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, faculty members, NSS volunteers, and NCC cadets. Activities included awareness sessions, cleanliness drives, waste audits, biodiversity-focused competitions, renewable energy presentations, plantation drives, and student-led environmental initiatives.
The celebrations commenced on June 1 with an inaugural orientation programme highlighting the significance of environmental awareness and sustainable practices. On June 2 and 3, students carried out campus and community cleanliness drives, including activities around the Bund area near Lal Chowk and various sections of the college campus. Waste collected during the drives was segregated and documented as part of an environmental audit exercise.
On June 4, the Department of Botany organized a Biodiversity Quiz Competition aimed at promoting awareness regarding ecological diversity and conservation. The following day, on World Environment Day, students and faculty members participated in a plantation drive, reaffirming their commitment to increasing green cover and fostering environmental sustainability.
The grand valedictory function held on June 6 at the Lalla Ded Auditorium featured student presentations, environmental-themed performances, poetry recitations, and reflections on the college’s sustainability journey.
The function was graced by eminent guests Prof. Azra Nahid Kamili, Professor, Director and Head, Centre of Research for Development, University of Kashmir, and Mr. Aadil Bhat, Climate Reality Leader and Program Officer, The Climate Reality Project J&K. Addressing the gathering, the speakers highlighted the growing environmental challenges facing society and stressed the importance of youth-led climate action, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable living practices.
An award and certificate distribution ceremony was also held to recognize students who actively participated in various activities conducted during Environmental Week.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Susana Bashir, member of the Eco Club, who expressed gratitude to the distinguished guests, faculty members, organizing committees, volunteers, and students for making the celebrations a grand success.
The conferment of the Gold Award for Green Campus and Sustainable Initiatives marks a landmark achievement for GCW M.A. Road and reinforces its position as a leading institution committed to environmental excellence, sustainability education, and climate action.