Srinagar, June 5: Rural Sanitation Directorate, Jammu and Kashmir, today celebrated a grand program in the picturesque Harwan Garden, Srinagar to mark the World Environment Day 2025 with the global theme “Elimination of Plastic Pollution”.
Programs organized by Block Development Office Harwan were seen enthusiastic participation from officials, students, local residents and sanitation workers. The event was conducted by BDO Harwan Mohammad Mukit Vani.
Director General, Rural Cleanliness J&K, MS Anoo Malhotra inspected the incident proceedings. He directed BDOS to maintain his efforts under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Grain throughout the year, convert it into a movement run by people in their respective blocks.
Mr. Shabir Hussain Bhat, Director Rural Development Department (RDD) Kashmir, saw the occasion as the chief guest. Apart from BDO of District Srinagar, Dr. Mantasha Binty Rashid, Deputy Director Rural Cleanliness, Kashmir and Syed Farooq Ahmed, ACD Srinagar, attended the ceremony.
The authorities underlined the importance and need to reduce single-use plastic and adopt sustainable waste management practices at the ground level.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Shabir Hussain Bhat highlighted the role of communities urging the stakeholders to actively contribute to the environmentally friendly initiative under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural).
“It is our collective responsibility to work wisely and leave a healthy planet behind for generations to come,” he said.
Dr. Mantasha Binti Rashid said in his address that anyone who damages the environment should understand that there are results not only local, but worldwide in their actions.
“Pollution, deforestation, and irresponsible waste disposal limits do not recognize the boundaries – what we do here affects the ecosystem, water bodies and communities beyond our immediate environment.
Assistant Commissioner Vikas Srinagar (ACD) Shri Syed Farooq Ahmed emphasized the need for behavior change and community participation in ensuring a clean and green future.
The event included Bagan Drive, Awareness Session, Student Performance and Felicitation of Cleanliness Champion.
On June 4, students participating in a painting competition were vested on the occasion on the theme that ends plastic pollution.
Jute bags were handed over to the participants, including both the youth and the elderly, urging that they were used daily life and became cleanliness ambassadors in their areas.
The festival served as an action, which confirms the Directorate’s pledge to work collectively towards environmental stability in rural Jammu and Kashmir.
It is appropriate to mention here that a hygiene pledge was given by the concerned BDO in all blocks in Jammu and Kashmir in which thousands of citizens came together.
Officers and participants confirmed their commitment to reduce the use of plastic and promote permanent environmental practices.