Engineers, students unite in Kashmir to ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’ on World Environment Day
Srinagar, Jun 6: The Institution of Engineers (India), Jammu & Kashmir State Centre, in collaboration with the Directorate of School Education, Kashmir, observed World Environment Day with a series of impactful activities under the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution.”
The day began with a Student Awareness Programme at Zabarwan Park, Srinagar, presided over by Shantmanu, Financial Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary, Government of J&K. The Directorate of Tourism facilitated the arrangements for the event. The rally saw spirited participation from nearly 200 school students from across Srinagar, who carried placards and raised slogans to highlight the environmental threats posed by plastic waste.
Later, a one-day seminar was held at the IEI J&K State Centre auditorium in Church Lane, Sonwarbagh. The seminar brought together engineers, students from various engineering colleges, civil society members, administrators, and media professionals to discuss the technical and civic aspects of plastic pollution.
The inaugural session featured a welcome address by Dr. Jahangeer Ali, Honorary Secretary, IEI J\&K State Centre. The technical session included presentations from students of GCET Safapora—Bushra Khalid Zahgeer and Wasil Ayoub—and from NIT Srinagar, led by Zishan bin Nabi. Other speakers included Omar Majid, Junior Engineer (Mechanical); Mueed Rasool, Executive Engineer (Civil), JKLCMA; Ferdous Ahad Bhat, Assistant Executive Engineer; and S.R.S Madni, former Secretary to the Government.
The closing session was attended by dignitaries including Owais Ahmed, Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, who served as Chief Guest, and Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, former Advisor to the Governor of J&K, as Guest of Honour. They commended the Institution's efforts in promoting civic responsibility and technical dialogue on pressing environmental issues.
In his remarks, Er. Iftikhar Ahmad Hakim, Chairman, IEI J&K State Centre, reaffirmed the Institution’s commitment to fostering scientific, technical, and community-driven approaches to sustainable development.
The event concluded with the distribution of mementoes and a vote of thanks by Dr. Jahangeer Ali, followed by a networking tea session. The Institution expressed sincere appreciation to all collaborators, participants, speakers, and volunteers for contributing to a purposeful observance of World Environment Day 2025.
