SRINAGAR: In order to raise awareness on environmental protection, sustainable living and the importance of preserving natural resources, ‘World Environment Day,’ was today commemorated by District Legal Service Authorities (DLSAs) of Srinagar, Budgam, Ganderbal and Shopian.
The events were successfully conducted under the leadership of Justice Arun Palli, Chief Justice, High Court of J&K and Ladakh (Patron-in-Chief, J&K Legal Services Authority) and Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authority.
In Srinagar, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Srinagar, in collaboration with Srinagar Women’s College, Batapora, Zakura, observed World Environment Day with great enthusiasm and purpose.
The programme was held under the chairmanship of Tasleem Arief, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Srinagar, and under the supervision of Sajad Ur Rehman, Sub-Judge/Secretary, DLSA Srinagar and Prof. Syed Ifat Ara, Principal of Srinagar Women’s College.
The observance was aimed at raising awareness among students and faculty about environmental conservation, sustainability, and the crucial role of legal literacy in protecting ecological rights and responsibilities.
Sehar Nazir, Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel, DLSA Srinagar, served as the resource person and delivered an engaging and insightful session. Her address highlighted the legal perspectives on environmental protection, importance of individual responsibility, and the role of youth in driving environmental change.
Her interaction with students encouraged critical thinking and proactive environmental behavior. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from the student, who actively engaged in the discussions and interactive segments of the session.
In Budgam, in order to raise awareness regarding several environment issues and ways and means to protect the environment, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Budgam observed World Environment Day by organizing a series of programmes at various places in the district.
As part of the programme, plantation drive was conducted at NilNag Chadoora in collaboration with Forest Department, Yousmarg Development Authority, Forest Protection Force, Higher Secondary School Gogjipathri and Action Aid India NGO,
A rally was taken out by students generating awareness on protection of environment at Khan Sahib, besides awareness programmes on protection of environment were also conducted in Legal Literacy Club Boys Higher Secondary School Budgam and LL Club Boys Higher Secondary School Khanshaib, in collaboration with District Legal Services Authority Budgam.
The programmes were held under the supervision of O.P. Bhagat, Chairman, DLSA Budgam and under the guidance of Nusrat Ali Hakak, Secretary DLSA Budgam.
Nazir Ahmad Wagay, Zahoor Ahmad Malik and Yawar Ali, Legal Aid Defense Counsels of DLSA Budgam were deputed as resource persons to impart awareness on the subject. These programmes were attended by LADCs of Budgam, students, teachers, PLVs of DLSA Budgam and the general public.
In Ganderbal, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Ganderbal, in collaboration with Sindh Forest Division Ganderbal and Vijay Memorial Educational Institute, Beehama, celebrated World Environment Day today at Vijay Memorial Educational Institute, Beehama Ganderbal.
On the occasion, Plantation drive was held as a significant step towards promoting environmental conservation and encouraging community participation in protecting the environment.
The initiative was effectively overseen by Abdul Nasir, Chairman, DLSA, Ganderbal, along with the guidance of Sheikh Babar Hussain, Secretary, DLSA Ganderbal, whose collective leadership and support were instrumental in its successful execution.
As part of the celebrations, a plantation drive was also organized at the institute, where saplings were planted within the premises. This symbolic gesture underscored the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability, inspiring participants to take action towards a greener future.
During the event, Sajid Irfan, Deputy Legal Aid Defense Counsel (LADC) Ganderbal, delivered a thought-provoking lecture on understanding the topic environment and its crises. He also highlighted various judgments of the Apex Court related to environmental protection, emphasizing the importance of legal frameworks in addressing environmental concerns and promoting sustainability.
Shaheena Ali, Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel (LADC) Ganderbal, delivered an insightful talk on environmental protection, highlighting ways to safeguard the environment and raising awareness about various environmental laws. She also discussed the impacts and challenges of environmental degradation, emphasizing the importance of collective action to protect the planet earth.
DLSA Ganderbal team, along with officials from Sindh Forest Division Ganderbal and faculty members of Vijay Memorial Educational Institute, participated in the plantation drive.
In Shopian, As part of the World Environment Day celebrations, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Shopian, in collaboration with the Forest Department Shopian, organized a successful plantation drive aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and climate action.
The event was held under the chairmanship of Mehmood Ahmad Chowdhary, Chairman DLSA (Principal District & Sessions Judge), Shopian. The drive commenced with the ceremonial planting of a Deodar sapling by Chairman DLSA, symbolizing the commitment to environmental conservation. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from the judiciary, forest officials, advocates, and volunteers.
Among the dignitaries who graced the occasion and contributed by planting saplings were Chief Judicial Magistrate, Shopian, Munsiff/JMIC Shopian, Additional Mobile Magistrate Shopian, DFO Shopian, Dy.Director, Forest Department Shopian, Range Forest Officer Shopian, and Bar President, Shopian, besides Legal Aid Defence Counsels (LADCs), members of the Bar, officials of DLSA Shopian, and Para Legal Volunteers also participated in the event, collectively planting a significant number of saplings across the designated site.
The primary objective of the plantation drive was to raise awareness about the importance of preserving nature, protecting biodiversity, and combating the adverse effects of climate change. The event concluded on a positive note with a collective pledge to continue such environmental initiatives and strengthen community participation in protecting natural resources.