‘Sustainable tourism must to save environment’

Srinagar, June 5: Environmental Policy Group (EPG) on Wednesday celebrated World Environment Day during a function here.

The event witnessed the presence of various intellectuals, Environmentalists, Educators, and Business community members across Kashmir.

The event was organised at Greenland Paramedical & Nursing College, Hawal Srinagar, which was sponsored by the Greenland Foundation. During the event, various dignitaries, including those related to environmental activism, participated.

During the event, the speakers spoke about the importance of sustainable policies that are environment-friendly in the context of Kashmir. They pressed on the importance of sustainable tourism and other measures to save the fragile ecosystem of the J&K. These speakers called for a joint approach by educational institutions, students, the Business community, and environmentalists to press the administration for more eco-friendly policies and sustainable approaches. the EPG Convenor Faiz Bakshi conducted the event.

Zareef Ahmad Zareef, a renowned poet and historian, was the chief guest of the event. During the event, Zareef dwelt on the importance of education in saving the environment. He spoke about his childhood experiences and urged teachers to prepare environmentally conscious students.

“Since childhood, we were taught to be connected with the environment, and that helped us as we grew up. We can see how our own acts have damaged our environment. Be it our streams, lakes, or any other water bodies. It is the time that we join hands and do our bit to save the environment,” Zareef said.

The renowned poet later, recited his poems highlighting issues related to environment and other aspects of life. He urged students to play their role in this regard.

Raja Muzaffar, a renowned activist, spoke about the importance of participation from the ground level. He said that waste management is the biggest concern as people are taking it lightly.

“The steps like segregation of waste from home is important. We have to educate families about the same. The majority of Kashmir is a wetland, and we have ruined everything. It is high time that we wake up to this issue otherwise, it will be too late,” he said.

Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo, a renowned environmental and social activist shared his experiences about measures to protect environment.

“If we work together, there will be a change. We took some steps in water bodies across Kashmir, and the results are in front of everyone. We hope that we will work together so that the forests, springs, and other water bodies will get back to their old glory,” Wangnoo said.

In addition to various speakers, students from various schools spoke on various topics related to the environment. Later, there was a felicitation ceremony in which certificates were distributed among students and other participants.

Among others, who were present on the occasion included the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce &. Industry ( KCCI) Javed Ahmad Tenga, the EPG co-founder & Amicus Currie Advocate Nadeem Qadri; EPG Technical Advisor Er. Ajaz Rasool, former SMC Commissioner Dr G.N.Qasba ; Advocate Asrar Ali the Chairman former FCIK President Shakeel Qalandar; KHARA-KHAROF Vice Chairman Gowhar Maqbool; Head School of Design Mts. Assad; Chairman Greenland Foundation Suhail Jan; RTI Activist & EPG Co- Convenor Dr. M.M. Shuja.