JAMMU: The Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu, celebrated World Environment Day 2026 by organizing an educational visit to the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and Waste-to-Wonder Park at Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu, aimed at enhancing students’ understanding of sustainable environmental management practices.

During the visit, students were provided firsthand exposure to the various stages of sewage treatment, including preliminary screening, primary treatment, biological treatment, secondary clarification and sludge management. Mr. Kulvinder Kumar, Plant In-charge, and Mr. Dileep Kumar, Supervisor, guided the students through the facility and explained the treatment processes in detail. They also demonstrated how treated wastewater can be safely reused for irrigation, landscaping and final discharge into the River Tawi. The students further visited the STP laboratory, where routine monitoring and analysis of untreated sewage and treated wastewater are carried out.

Interacting with the students, Prof. Deepika Slathia, Head of the Department, highlighted the crucial role of sewage treatment plants in transforming wastewater into a valuable resource through proper treatment and reuse. She emphasized that such initiatives help reduce environmental pollution, protect public health and contribute significantly to water conservation by enabling the reuse of treated wastewater for various non-potable purposes.

As part of the programme, the students also visited the Waste-to-Wonder Park, which features sculptures and installations created from scrap materials. The park serves as an example of how waste can be transformed into valuable and aesthetically appealing products through recycling and innovation.

The visit was attended by 20 students along with faculty members Prof. Piyush Malaviya, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Dr. Anshu Gupta and Dr. Suresh Kumar, who accompanied and guided the students throughout the programme.

Later, an interactive session was organized for the students, during which Dr. Amita Fotedar, Policy Advisor, Ministry for Primary Industries, Government of New Zealand, and a distinguished alumna of the Department, shared her academic and professional journey. She highlighted the diverse career opportunities available in Environmental Sciences and stressed the importance of continuous learning, skill development and maintaining a global outlook for professional success. The session proved highly inspiring and offered valuable guidance to students regarding career planning and professional growth.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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