SAMBA: The International Mother Earth Day 2023 on Friday celebrated by the Department of Environmental Sciences (EVS) in collaboration with 4TH J&K Bn NCC of Central University of Jammu (CUJ).
As per release, the theme of Earth Day for the year 2023 is “Invest in Our Planet”. The chief guest for the event was Balkar Singh—an eminent environmentalist and a poet who is working in the field of environment for more than 20 years in the area of Bagla (Rahya Suchani, Badhori) District Samba J&K.
The welcome address was given by Lieut. Dr Pankaj Mehta (ANO, Rank- Lieutenant) followed by the introductory remarks given by Prof Sunil Dhar (HOD Dept. of EVS). Balkar Singh in his talk discussed the importance of trees, water bodies, biodiversity which need to be preserved at every cost for the existence of humans.
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He narrated few poems of environmental significance from the book authored by him “Sookha Vriksh”. He discussed the case studies about the rejuvenation of Ponds and Bowils of Samba, Kathua and Udhampur Districts.
The keynote address was followed by an open house discussion where various schemes and initiatives taken up by government of India such as Amrit Sarovar Project, Living with Nature, Waste to Gold etc. to preserve and conserve the environment was discussed.
A documentary on the topic climate change was also screened on the event to make the students, scholars, NCC cadets faculty members and staff aware on the current scenario through which mother earth is moving.
A pledge was taken that each one of us should contribute our bit by following best environmental practices in the area of water conservation, energy conservation, soil conservation, waste management.
The concluding remarks were given by Prof. Deepak Pathania (Dean, Research Studies). The formal vote of thanks was given Prof. Richa Kothari (Faculty, Dept. of EVS) while the stage was conducted by Bhawana Sharma (Research Scholar, Dept. of EVS).
The event also witnessed a plantation drive in the campus. NCC Cadets, students, research scholars, faculty and staff members of the university were also present on this occasion.
