AWANTIPORA: A one-day seminar on Environmental Pollution: Causes and Control with particular reference to Kashmir Himalayas was organised jointly by Nature Interpretation Centre-Biodiversity Park, IUST & Technological Innovation in Renewable Energy & Climate Change (TIR &CC), Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (CIED), Islamic University of Science and Technology under the aegis of Dean of Students IUST.
The program was aimed to spread awareness about the UN Sustainable Development Goal Clean water and sanitation, and encourage the youth to preserve and conserve unmatched water resources of Kashmir. Mr. Mudassir Mahmood, Project Coordinator, Wular Conservation & Management Authority and Chief guest of the program spoke at length about the water bodies of Kashmir. Calling water resources as the life-line of the valley, he encouraged participants to actively engage in the protection drives and also pursue career in water tourism.
Prof. Manzoor Ahmad Malik (Dean Academic Affairs) sensitised the participants about the impact of carbon-footprints, and said that major disasters can be averted if environmental protection is taken seriously. A video documentary showcasing the impact of sedimentation, encroachments, untreated sewage on the shrinkage of Wular Lake and the efforts of Wular Conservation & Management Authority to conserve, manage, protect and generate employment through the lake was also screened during the program.
Dr. Asifa Baba, Dean Students IUST also addressed the participants and urged them to devote time and energy rfor environment preservation. The program was coordinated by Dr. Aijaz Qureshi, Coordinator Nature Interpretation Centre, Biodiversity Park.