‘Conservation of wetlands should be collective responsibility of society’

Srinagar, Oct 3: Conservation of wetlands should be a collective responsibility of society, experts said at the inaugural session of the four-day workshop, ‘Engaging Students for Wetland Conservation’ on Khushalsar and Gilsar wetlands that was inaugurated by the PG Department of Zoology.

The event was held in collaboration with Delivery and PMU, STS Global Company and the Department of Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing (DEERS) Government of J&K bringing together students, faculty, and environmental experts to discuss the critical importance of wetlands in our ecosystem.

The workshop was formally inaugurated by Professor Tehmina Yosuf, Principal of the College who provided insights into the wetlands of the Kashmir Valley. In her address, she emphasised that the workshop aims to mobilise and inspire students from diverse academic streams committed about environmental sustainability.

She underscored Islamia College is dedicated in promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices stating that this workshop is part of a broader initiative to engage the community in critical ecological issues, fostering a sense of responsibility and stewardship toward our natural resources particularly on Khushalsar and Gilsar wetlands that fall in the vicinity of the College.

Chief guest and expert of the workshop Rafi Ahmad Bhat, Regional Director from (DEERS) Department of Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing, Jammu and Kashmir government emphasised in his presentation about the ecological significance of wetlands in general and Khushalsar and Gilsar in particular stating that these wetlands are not just ecosystems but they are the lifeblood of our environment.