Social Forestry Department Budgam celebrates grand World Environment Day at IIS School with enthusiastic student participation

• ACR Budgam Afroza Bano highlights Kashmir’s unique climate blessing and stresses urgent need to protect the environment amid rising climate threats
• DFO Central Kashmir Dr. Mumtaz urges families to replace single-use plastics with sustainable alternatives
• G.N. Var urges educational institutions across J&K to promote environmental responsibility, calls for collective action to protect forests and water resources
• Deputy CMO Budgam Dr. Gurmeet Singh inspires youth to lead cleanliness and plastic-free campaigns

SRINAGAR: In a vibrant celebration of World Environment Day 2025, the Department of Social Forestry Range Budgam, in collaboration with International Islamic School Peerbagh (IIS),has organized a comprehensive awareness and plantation drive under this year’s global theme “Beat Plastic Pollution.” The event brought together environmentalists, educators, students and top govt officials, with a strong emphasis on sustainable practices and youth-led climate action.

The Chief Guest for the occasion was Assistant Commissioner Revenue (ACR) Budgam, Mrs. Afroza Bano (JKAS), who was accorded a guard of honour by the students. The program began with a ceremonial plantation drive in the school campus, reinforcing the message of ecological responsibility.

Among the prominent guests were Dr. Mumtaz Majeed, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Social Forestry Range Central Kashmir as guest of honur, G.N. Var, State President, Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK), Bilal Ahmad Mattoo, Range Officer Budgam, Irfan Ahmad, ARTO Budgam, Abdul Majeed Parray, President, J&K Trade Union Council, Dr. Gurmeet Singh, Deputy Medical Officer, Budgam, Dr. Tariq Ahmad Bhat, Chairman IIS, Umer Malik, Principal, IIS, Showkat Mirza and Tanveer Ahmad, Directors, Urfee Bala, Supervisor, Girls Block, Gulzar Ahmad Malla, HoD Physical Training, Irfan Afzal, Moshtihum Ibrahim, and Irham Khaliq, PT Faculty, Tanzeela Bashir, HoD English, Faiqa Jan other Faculty Member etc.

The event was elegantly hosted by class 10th students Khadija and Zainab.

Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Afroza Bano (JKAS), ACR Budgam, delivered a heartfelt address “We often talk nicely about planting trees, but the real challenge is in actually doing it. Today, when temperatures are reaching 47°C in many parts of the country, Kashmir is still a blessed place where even in June, the nights are cool. But this blessing will only last if we take care of it. Unfortunately, many of us have stopped valuing these gifts. Whole forests are disappearing in areas like Brenwar and Doodhpathri and though you might not fully understand it now, as you grow older, you will realize how important it is to protect nature. So let’s not just talk—let’s take real action.”

On the occasion of World Environment Day, G.N. Var, President of PSAJK and a senior member of the National Independent Schools Alliance (NISA), representing over 2.25 lakh students across Jammu & Kashmir, delivered a powerful message “The Earth speaks in signs melting glaciers, rising temperatures, vanishing species. These are not just warnings; they are desperate cries for help. We must preserve our forests, protect our air, and safeguard our water. Though we may not hear nature’s pain, it is real, and it is urgent. Let’s act before it’s too late, protect what protects us.”

Var emphasized the role of educational institutions in shaping environmentally conscious citizens and called upon all schools to integrate environmental awareness into their daily activities. He added that students should be encouraged to take small yet impactful steps such as planting trees, avoiding plastic, conserving water and spreading awareness within their families and communities.

Dr. Mumtaz Majeed, DFO Central Kashmir, emphasized behavioral change starting at home “Every year we celebrate this day, but real change begins with us. Just as plastic crept into our lives unnoticed, we must now consciously remove it from our environment. It starts at home. Policymakers draft laws, but it is we the people who must implement them. Say no to single-use plastic, especially at our weddings, gatherings and daily routines.”

Dr. Gurmeet Singh, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Budgam, engaged the students with real-life examples “Ever wonder why we chose your school out of thousands? Because International Islamic School (IIS) is known for its cleanliness and discipline. Today’s global theme is ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’ and it’s our duty to act. Just like a wise man once stopped eating sugar before advising a child to quit, we too must lead by example. Clean your surroundings, speak up against littering, carry your own bag that's how change begins.”

Bilal Ahmad Mattoo, Range Officer Budgam “This generation has immense potential. With the right guidance, our forests and ecosystems can be safe.”

Abdul Majeed Parray, President of J&K Trade Union Council “Environmental awareness must become a movement  in schools, offices, and homes. It affects us all.”

Dr. Tariq Ahmad Bhat, Chairman of IIS, emphasized the school’s long-standing commitment to environmental education and sustainable values “At IIS, we are committed to nurturing environmentally responsible citizens who act, not just talk,” he said.

He highlighted that the school has integrated environmental awareness into its regular curriculum, extracurricular activities and community outreach efforts.

He applauded the Social Forestry Department for organizing the event and noted that such collaborations bridge the gap between theoretical learning and real-world.

Principal Umer Malik “We are proud that our students are not just learning but leading. The spirit of World Environment Day lives in their efforts.”

“We believe education is incomplete if it does not instill a sense of responsibility toward nature. From reducing plastic use on campus to promoting eco-friendly habits at home, we want our students to be ambassadors of change,” Umer Malik added.

Several students delivered impactful speeches focusing on environmental protection, pollution control and sustainability.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Academic Administrator Dr. Irfan Jameel, who praised the Social Forestry Department, the school leadership and the faculty for hosting such a meaningful and inspiring event.

The celebration concluded with a pledge from guests, students and staff to reduce plastic use and protect nature together. The plantation drive, along with inspiring speeches, motivated young minds to take better care of the environment.