BANDIPORA: Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA), in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir Forest Department, celebrated World Environment Day with great enthusiasm at the Auditorium Hall of High School Kaloosa, Bandipora. This year’s theme focused on environmental awareness, tackling plastic pollution, and youth engagement.

The event was presided over by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Manzoor Qadri, who emphasized the urgent need to address plastic pollution and lamented the fading use of traditional, eco-friendly practices such as carrying cloth and jute bags. Urging a collective commitment, he called upon all attendees to take a pledge to eliminate single-use plastics and promote sustainable alternatives.

On the occasion, DC highlighted the ecological significance of Wular Lake, a vital source of livelihood through fisheries and water chestnut harvesting, as well as a symbol of natural beauty. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to conserving such eco-sensitive zones. Measures like the polythene ban, enhanced solid waste management under Swachhta Grameen (RDD), and Bandipora Municipality’s progress in source-level segregation were applauded.

He also informed that land has been earmarked for establishing a scientific solid waste management facility, which will further improve the district’s environmental infrastructure. Project Coordinator at WUCMA inspired the students with a passionate address, urging them to become ‘Ambassadors of Change.’ He outlined practical steps youth can adopt such as tree plantation, rejecting plastic, creative recycling, conserving water, respecting water bodies like Wular, and adopting green transport.

Linking environmental responsibility with cultural identity, he emphasized the need to understand and use the regional languages to effectively engage local communities.

The programme featured debates, skits, and an environmental song performed by students, creatively portraying the environmental challenges and offering inspiring solutions. These performances served as a powerful reminder of the role individuals play in environmental conservation.

Earlier, DC planted a sapling in the school compound as a symbol of hope and collective resolve for a greener future. He also flagged-off a student rally along the banks of Madhumati Nallah, where students raised slogans on cleanliness and environmental awareness with great zeal.

The event was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Bandipora, Zaffar Husson Shawl; Tehsildar Bandipora, Range Officers from the Forest Division and WUCMA, civil society representatives, and other dignitaries.

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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