World Environment Day | Govt committed to revive damaged ecosystem: LG Sinha

Srinagar, June 5: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Wednesday said that the government was committed to reviving the damaged ecosystem.

Addressing a conference ‘Our Land, Our Future’ organised by Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation (NLCO) on World Environment Day at Sazgaripora in Srinagar, the LG said, “‘Environment first’ is our vision and we are committed to revive the damaged ecosystem. Our collective efforts to reverse the degradation of ecosystems will boost livelihoods, and food security, and prevent extreme weather situations.”

He highlighted the need for land restoration to reverse the challenges of land degradation, drought and desertification.

LG Sinha called upon NGOs, financial institutions, business organisations, volunteers, civil society members, and individuals to act as ‘agents of change’ and dedicate themselves towards ecological preservation and restoration. Pollution prevention, increasing green cover, and conservation of natural resources should be our common goals.

He reiterated the commitment of the J&K administration towards environment conservation and promotion of sustainable living.

The LG also talked about the initiatives and programmes of the government aimed at protecting and preserving J&K’s rich biodiversity.

He set two important goals for the citizens – to stop the use of single-use plastic and to strengthen the waste management system.

LG Sinha also appealed to the people living in rural areas to identify such works in their villages which can help restore the ecosystem and prevent land degradation.

Appreciating the contribution of NLCO in transforming the Gilsar-Khushalsar water body, he assured all possible support from the administration to the organisation in its endeavours.

Environmental protection pledge was also administered to the people on the occasion.

This year, the theme of the World Environment Day was land degradation, desertification, and drought resilience.

Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Mandeep Kaur; Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Vijay Bidhuri; Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, VC LCMA, Bashir Ahmad Bhat and Chairman NLCO, Manzoor Wangnoo were present on the occasion.