Budgam, Jun 9 (JKNS): As part of the observance of World Environment Day 2026 and the Ministry of Education’s Green Summer Camps initiative under Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE, the Office of the Zonal Education Officer (ZEO), Beerwah, in collaboration with the Municipal Committee Beerwah and local administration, organized a cleanliness drive at Sukhnag Nallah and an environmental awareness programme at Town Hall Beerwah on Tuesday.
The cleanliness drive was conducted from Town Hall Beerwah to Foot Bridge Beerwah and witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, teachers, municipal officials, educationists, local religious scholars, and members of the public. The initiative aimed to promote environmental awareness, encourage sustainable lifestyles, and foster a sense of responsibility towards the conservation of natural resources, particularly water bodies.
During the environmental awareness programme held at Town Hall Beerwah, speakers highlighted the importance of environmental protection, conservation of water resources, effective waste management, reduction in plastic use, and the adoption of eco-friendly practices in daily life.
Among those present on the occasion were the Zonal Education Officer Beerwah, Executive Officer Municipal Committee Beerwah Aaliya Tabassum, municipal officials, educationists, and representatives of various educational institutions. The speakers appreciated the active participation of students and emphasized the need for collective efforts to promote environmental conservation and civic responsibility.
Students from several educational institutions of the zone, including BHSS Beerwah, GHSS Beerwah, BMS Beerwah, GMS Beerwah, and Mazhar-ul-Haq Beerwah, actively participated in the programme. Under the supervision of their teachers, the students cleaned the banks of Sukhnag Nallah and spread awareness among the public regarding environmental protection.
Speaking on the occasion, Executive Officer Municipal Committee Beerwah Aaliya Tabassum said that the Municipal Committee regularly conducts cleanliness drives at Sukhnag Nallah and other public places to safeguard environmental hygiene and public health. She appealed to the public to refrain from dumping waste into rivers, streams, and drainage channels, stressing that keeping water bodies clean is a shared responsibility.
She further stated that pollution and improper waste disposal not only damage natural resources but also pose serious threats to public health. A clean and balanced environment is essential for a healthy and prosperous life, and protecting the environment is imperative for securing a better future for coming generations.
Addressing the awareness programme, the Zonal Education Officer Beerwah urged people to keep their surroundings clean and contribute actively towards the preservation of the natural environment.
Speaking to the media, Mohammad Arif, Cultural Coordinator of Zone Beerwah, said that environmental protection is a collective responsibility and that such activities play a vital role in creating awareness among students and the general public. He emphasized the need to conserve water resources, promote cleanliness, and adopt environmentally responsible behaviour to ensure a healthy and sustainable future.
Educationist Rouf Ahmad highlighted the significance of protecting Sukhnag Nallah, noting that its waters serve the needs of several villages in the area. He stressed that preventing pollution of the stream is essential and appealed to the public to avoid throwing waste into the water body and to consider the cleanliness of water resources as a collective duty.
During the programme, speakers reiterated that protecting water resources from pollution is not solely the responsibility of government agencies but requires active participation from every citizen. They emphasized that water is a basic necessity of life and that safeguarding its sources is crucial for future generations.
The programme was organized in line with the core themes of Mission LiFE, which include adopting healthy lifestyles, promoting sustainable food systems, reducing waste and e-waste, conserving water and energy, and discouraging the use of single-use plastics.
During the cleanliness drive, students collected waste from the banks of Sukhnag Nallah and raised awareness among the public about the urgent need to keep rivers, streams, and other water bodies free from pollution. They appealed to citizens not to dump garbage into water sources, warning that such practices contaminate water and increase the risk of various diseases.
One participating student described the initiative as an excellent effort aimed at conveying a strong message to those who pollute water bodies by disposing of waste into them. The student noted that failure to protect water resources would adversely affect both the environment and public health.
The campaign was widely appreciated by local residents, who described it as a timely and positive step towards environmental conservation. Participants remarked that the cleaning of Sukhnag Nallah would not only improve the local environment but also enhance public awareness regarding cleanliness and environmental responsibility.
At the conclusion of the programme, participants pledged to continue their efforts towards environmental protection, conservation of water resources, and promotion of cleanliness. The initiative reflected the collective commitment of the Education Department, Municipal Committee Beerwah, local administration, and other stakeholders towards environmental sustainability, public participation, and sustainable development. (JKNS)
