CUK’s Biotech, Chemistry & IT Deptt hold progs under ‘Our Planet: Our Environment and Our campus’

Ganderbal : Under the theme “Our Planet: Our Environment and Our campus, Mass Mobilization On Mission Life”, various teaching departments of the Central University of Kashmir (CUK) on Friday organised different programmes at their respective campuses here.
According to a statement issued from Public Relations office Central University of Kashmir, Departments of Biotechnology and Chemistry, Central University of Kashmir (CUK) jointly organized a two day programme on “Innovative ideas how to reduce single use plastic”, at Science campus Nunar. The programme was organised to sensitise the students, faculty and the community about the alarming threat of plastics on environment and human health.
Dean, School of Life Sciences, Prof. M. Yousuf, shared his views on the theme and said “These programmes sensitise the students about the ill-effects of plastics on the environment and human health,” he said.
Head, Deptt of Biotechnology and Chemistry, Dr. Abid Hamid Dar highlighted the Chemistry & Biological parameters of plastics. He said the rampant use of plastics in the Jammu and Kashmir, has wreaked havoc on the water bodies and flora and fauna.
During the programme, Dr. Shahbaz A Lone from Chemistry talked about “Plastic Pollution: A Perspective on matters Arising”, Dr. Rifat Akbar from Chemistry talked about “Innovative Ideas How to Reduce Single Use Plastic”, Dr. Umar Mushtaq from Biotechnology talked about, “Exposure of Humans to Plastics”, Dr. Navjot Kour, from Biotechnology talked about “Plastics and Human Health” and Dr. Raqeeb from Biotechnology, talked about “Plastics: An Emerging Global Threat to Biological Diversity and Outline on Remedial Measures.” Thereafter the students along with the faculty conducted the cleanliness drive around the campus.
Assistant Prof. Dr. Munazah Qureshi conducted the proceedings and Assistant Prof. Dr. Sumayah Bashir proposed the vote of thanks. During the second day of the programme, Ideation and Idea Pitching session was held wherein students from different departments presented their innovative ideas on how to reduce single use plastics. The ideas included introduction of coconut shells as a substitute for plastic glasses, Palm leaf for making handbags, a substitute for polythene bags, Papaya leaf stem has a hollow stem and can be substituted for plastic straws and others. The panel of faculty members later discussed the different contours of Plastics: like Chemistry involved in synthesis of plastics, biological need of plastic, role of plastic in deteriorating the human health like increases the infertility in females, causes thyroid cancer, hypo- and hypertension etc. Asst Prof. Dr. Shabir H. Qureshi presented the vote of thanks. The programme was coordinated and reported by Asst Prof. Dr. M. Nadeem Lone.
Meanwhile, the Department of Information Technology, organised a programme on “Paperless Office” Tulmulla campus.
Dean School of Engineering & Technology, Prof. Wali Mohammad Shah highlighted the importance of reducing the use of paper in offices for the conservation of environment. “Although IT tools and applications which are already in use have tremendous potential to reduce the use of paper, but at the same time we need to be mindful of the security challenges which such applications can pose,” he added.
Department Coordinator, Er. Afaq Alam Khan gave the programme details and reasons for organising it.
System Analyst Mr. M Irfan Dar, spoke about the use of eOffice in the University and Information Scientist, Mr. Imtiyaz Ahmad Najar, touched upon various contours of SAMARTH eGovernance portal.
Considering the fact that approximately every 10,000 sheets of paper cost us one tree, speakers were able to tell how many trees were saved through the use of eOffice and SAMARTH in the university, taking in view the large number of files, online applications for admission and recruitment, examination forms, attachments etc which are processed through the said applications.
Ms. Mehreen, faculty from the Department delivered the presentation on the “Impact on technology on the reduction of paper in the offices and saving of the environment as a whole.” Dr. Ahsan Chishti, Head, Deptt of CSE, NIT Srinagar, who joined the event through online mode talked in detail about the open source software available, which prove to be beneficial to the students and researchers and few other tools which help in reducing the use of paper. Er. Zahoor Ahmad Najar, OSD, Examination also spoke on the occasion. Er. Rabia Lateef conducted the proceedings while Dr. Omerah proposed the vote of thanks.