DC Bomai Celebrates Environmental Day with focus on land restoration, drought resilience

Bomai|: Government Degree College (GDC) Bomai marked World Environmental Day with a comprehensive awareness program in collaboration with SKUAST-K, SRDE, and the Department of Forest, Government of Jammu and Kashmir (UT).
The event, themed “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience” and under the slogan “Our Land, Our Future,” aimed to educate students about the crucial role of the environment in our lives. The program began with a recitation of the Tilawat Quran by Dr. Arshad Ahmad, followed by a warm welcome address from Prof. Mir Shabir Ahmad, Associate Professor of Chemistry at GDC Bomai. Prof. Ahmad greeted all attendees and set the tone for the day. The Chief Patron delivered a compelling speech, underscoring the necessity of preserving natural resources and emphasizing discipline and sensitivity towards environmental challenges.
Dr. Bilal Ahmad, Head of the Division of Agri-Economics & Statistics at SKUAST-K, highlighted the importance of environmental protection as foundational to sustaining our planet, community, and economy. Quoting the Quran, Dr. Ahmad said, “Eat and drink, but do not waste. Surely He does not like the wasteful.” (Surah Al-A’raf 7:31). He stressed the educational value of such seminars in raising awareness about environmental responsibilities. Dr. Gh. Nabi Lone, a lecturer in Zoology at GDC Bomai, delivered the keynote address, focusing on current environmental issues and the significance of World Environmental Day.
Renowned environmentalist Dr. Shaikh Gulam Rasool, the event’s chief guest, spoke passionately about the vital role of forests and our duty to conserve and protect them. He explained how forests filter air, absorb harmful gases, purify water, reduce flood risks, and maintain natural balance.
Guest of Honor, Dr. Imtiyaz Ali Khan, Forest Range Officer of the Baramulla division, provided an insightful speech on various environmental issues, urging the audience to become advocates for natural resource conservation.
Fish farmers from the Wular area also participated in the program. Er. Abdul Rashid Bhat presented a documentary on climate change, highlighting the factors contributing to this urgent issue.
The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Dr. Snober Mir, faculty at GDC Bomai. She expressed gratitude to Chief Patron Prof. Aijaz Ahmad Hakak, Patron Prof. Bilal Ahmad Bhat, Chief Guest Dr. Shaikh Gh. Rasool, Guest of Honor Dr. Imtiyaz Ahmad, all participants, speakers, and students from GDC Bomai, SKUAST-K, CUK, as well as the local community for their support in making the program a success.
A plantation drive followed, with saplings planted by guests and students, symbolizing their commitment to environmental conservation.