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SRINAGAR: The National Institute of Technology (NIT), Srinagar on Thursday organized a day-long seminar on World Environment Day 2025, aimed at addressing critical environmental challenges, particularly those caused by plastic pollution. The theme of the workshop was “Ending Plastic Pollution” and it was hosted by the Water Resource Management Centre (WRMC) of NIT Srinagar.
Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaaujiya, was the Chief Patron of the seminar. While as Dean Research and Consultancy, Prof. Roohie Naaz Mir was the patron of mega event. The event was presided over by Ms Anoo Malhotra, Director General, Rural Sanitation, J&K, who served as the Chief Guest, and Mr Haji Manzoor Ahmad, Chairman NLCO Srinagar, who graced the occasion as the Guest of Honor.
The occasion also witnessed the presence of several esteemed dignitaries, including Registrar NIT Srinagar, Prof. Atikur Rehman, HoD Civil Engineering Department, Prof. J.A. Bhat, Chairman Water Resources Management Centre (WRMC), Prof. A.Q. Dar, and Dr. Khalid Muzamil Gani, who served as the Coordinator of the event.
Incharge Director, Prof. Roohi Naaz said protecting our environment is essential for the health and well-being of our communities. Sustainable practices, combined with innovative research, are crucial to combat pollution and preserve natural resources. “This workshop fosters collaboration to develop practical solutions that safeguard our environment for future generations,” she added.
In her key speech, DG, Rural Sanitation, J&K, Ms Anoo Malhotra emphasized that technological innovation must be harnessed effectively to solve long-standing challenges in rural sanitation, especially in geographically diverse and sensitive regions like Jammu and Kashmir.
“Collaboration between academic institutions and government departments is crucial for creating sustainable sanitation models. Such workshops bridge the gap between research and implementation, enabling the development of field-ready solutions that are both effective and culturally appropriate,” she added.
Ms Malhotra further said World Environment Day is not just about speeches and slogans. It is about inspiring real change. It’s about teaching our children the value of sustainability and leading by example in our communities. Institutes’ Registrar, Prof. Atikur Rehman said that the theme of this workshop resonates deeply with one of the most fundamental aspects of human dignity and well-being sanitation.
“Access to clean and safe sanitation is not merely an infrastructure challenge; it is a matter of health, environmental sustainability, and social equity, especially in our rural communities,” he added. On the occasion, Chairman NLCO, Haji Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo, expressed his appreciation for the initiative, stating that it was heartening to see NIT Srinagar take an active interest in issues that directly impact local communities.
“We need more such platforms where science meets the soil and academic knowledge translates into practical solutions,” he said. Highlighting the mission and ongoing work of NLCO, Wangnoo spoke about the organization’s dedicated efforts to restore water bodies, enhance sanitation, and raise environmental awareness in Srinagar and its adjoining areas.
“Our lakes, wetlands, and natural streams are part of Kashmir’s ecological identity, and we must act now to preserve them. The damage caused by plastic waste and untreated sewage is visible everywhere from clogged streams to declining aquatic life,” Wangnoo said. He said despite good intentions at the policy level, execution often falters due to a lack of awareness, coordination, and accountability at the grassroots. This is precisely where community-based organizations and institutions like NIT Srinagar can play a pivotal role.
Earlier HOD Civil Eng Deptt, Prof. J.A. Bhat expressed concern over the ineffective implementation of the plastic ban. “Although there is an official ban on plastic, its enforcement remains largely invisible on the ground. Urban areas receive some attention, but rural regions continue to be neglected,” he said.
Prof. Bhat said that the unchecked use of plastic has become a serious threat to our environment, our canals are choked, and fertile lands that once produced paddy and mustard are turning barren. He further said that Dal lake’s area is shrinking, and the rise in pollution has significantly affected its fish population. The key concerns and suggestions raised during the seminar will be compiled and forwarded to the government for necessary action, Prof. Bhat added.
The seminar also hosted a panel discussion featuring a range of experts including Dr. Sami Ullah Bhat (HoD, Department of Environmental Science, University of Kashmir), Mr. Mohammad Aarif (BDO, Gund Kagan Ganderbal), Mr. Hakeem Aaqib Javaid (BDO, Qazigund), and Mr. Saqib Abass Khan (AE, Rural Development Department).
Dr. Khalid Muzamil Gani, coordinator of the workshop, expressed his gratitude to the Chief Guest, Ms. Anoo Malhotra, and Guest of Honor, Mr. Haji Manzoor Ahmad, for their valuable presence. He also thanked the speakers, including Prof. A.Q. Dar, Prof. J.A. Bhat, and Prof. Roohie Naaz Mir, Prof. Syed Kaiser Bukhari along with the institute’s leadership and all participants for their support and engagement.
Dr. Khalid also highlighted the need for ongoing collaboration to advance rural sanitation and environmental sustainability. As part of the World Environment Day observance, a plantation drive was also held outside the Common Hall, where dignitaries, faculty members, students, and officials actively participated by planting saplings.
JAMMU: In the last academic session, 106 students Qualified National Test including JRF-UGC, JRF-CSIR-UGC, NET-UGC/CSIR, GATE, CTET and qualified for PhD admission in different subjects from Central University of Jammu. Master’s degree final year in Science or Arts faculty students at Central University of Jammu have not only cleared University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test or UGC NET in large numbers i.e., approximately 21 but have also cracked the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF).
The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducted the different National Test exams including JRF-UGC, JRF-CSIR-UGC, NET-UGC/CSIR, GATE, and CTET in different subjects from Central University of Jammu in the last academic sessions. A total of 26 students have passed the UGC NET (National Eligibility Test), while 20 students cleared the GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering), 34 passed the CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test), 5 students passed the SET (State Eligibility Test) and 12 qualified the CSIR NET (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - National Eligibility Test). Special recognition was also given to departments such as Educational Studies, Botany, Chemistry, Biotechnology, and Zoology, which saw the highest number of qualifiers this year.
The university administration praised the hard work and dedication of the students and the faculty's continuous support and mentorship.Vice chancellor of Central University of Jammu Prof Sanjeev Jain and Registrar Prof. Yashwant Singh congratulated the successful students, their teachers and parents on their achievement.
Prof. Sanjeev Jain, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, stated: "We are immensely proud of our students' achievements. Their success reflects the quality of education and academic environment our university strives to provide. We remain committed to nurturing talent and fostering research and innovation."Basically, The National Test including JRF-UGC, UGC National Eligibility Test (NET), JRF-CSIR-UGC, NET-UGC/CSIR, GATE, and CTET conducted by the National Testing Agency, awards fellowships/eligibility to students for doctoral research in universities and research institutes. It is one of India’s toughest post-graduate level examinations. It is one of the criteria to become an assistant professor in universities/colleges. It also opens doors to many other career opportunities.
GANDERBAL: Emphasizing that the fight against pollution begins with introspection about how we are contributing for protection of environment, Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A Ravinder Nath, Wednesday highlighted the principle of net zero pollution and advocated for a circular economy where products are reused, recycled, and repurposed rather than discarded.
Addressing the participants, during the celebration of the “World Environment Day,” on the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally,” jointly organised by the Schools of Life Sciences and Physical and Chemical Sciences of the university, Prof. A Ravinder Nath, said, “Though plastic is embedded in modern life, its indiscriminate use and disposal is what causes damage to the fragile environment. The focus should be on responsibility and innovation.” “We are all stakeholders in the environment,” he noted,
Prof. A Ravinder Nath connected sustainability with broader developmental goals—planet, people, profit, partnership, and peace—linking them to Sustainable Development Goals, and encouraged academic institutions to be role models in innovation, outreach, and research to model localized projects—particularly tackling plastic pollution in and around the Ganderbal region.
In his keynote address, Prof. Chandrashekhar Jha, former Chief General Manager, National Remote Sensing Center, Indian Space Research Organisations-ISRO, made a detailed presentation about the theme and traced the evolution of global environmental thought, referencing the Stockholm Conference of 1972 and India’s early commitment to ecological diplomacy.
He warned that plastic pollution knows no bounds, reaching from the Mariana Trench to Mt. Everest, and even entering human tissues in the form of microplastics, thereby threatening physiological processes. Prof. Chandrashekhar Jha shared insights on ISRO’s use of remote sensing technologies to track ecological degradation in the Indian Himalayan region, including Kashmir.
“We need to recalibrate the interaction with nature,” Prof. Jha said and discussed the ecosystem goods and services and the impact of plastic pollution across the length and breadth. Prof. Jha emphasized the urgent need to shift from a throwaway culture to a circular economy, a central goal of the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative. He showcased ISRO’s remote sensing data on Himalayan resources and outlined technologies and strategies for waste management. “Through collective action,” he concluded, “we can secure the planet for future generations.”
Prof. Shahid Rasool, Dean Academic Affairs, lamented the contradiction between our environmental pledges and our polluting habits, and reminded the audience of the beauty of Kashmir which is now under threat from climate change. Prof. Sahhid Rasool said, “while celebrating Environment Day, we continue to degrade it.” He said the Kashmir valley is currently witnessing unprecedented weather variations and attributed the same to the increasing level of pollution. Citing the disrupted migratory patterns of several species of birds in Kashmir, he said, “Let us leave the Earth at least the way we received it, if not better,”. To check the environment pollution, he further underscored the need to contribute proactively both at individual and community level.
Prof. Mohammad Yousuf, Dean, School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, addressed the omnipresence of plastic in everyday life—from medicine to packaging—and described the health hazards posed by microplastics, including their links to cancer, reproductive issues, and respiratory ailments. “Despite collection efforts,” he observed, “plastic waste continues to overwhelm our surroundings.”
Prof. Abid Hameed Dar, Dean, School of Life Sciences, gave a scientific perspective on the evolution of plastic, tracing its origins in polymer chemistry and early biomolecular synthesis. He explained how initial excitement over plastics gave way to concern due to their non-biodegradable nature. Drawing from chemistry, biology, and physics, he emphasized the need for scientific consciousness in environmental decision-making.
Dr. Chinnapan Baskar, Head, Department of Chemistry, detailed the department’s outreach vision to adopt villages in Ganderbal and Nunnar for environmental education and waste management programs. Dr. Baskar emphasized that change begins at home: “Segregation of waste must start with individuals. If we model best practices at the university level, we can inspire systemic change.” Dean School of Education, Prof. Syed Zahoor Ahmad Geelani was also present on the occasion.
Earlier in his welcome address, Dr. Shahzad Ahmad Pandith, Coordinator Department of Botany, said, the day, observed globally on June 5th is a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to protect the “only home we have, our planet Earth.” “The theme for this year, Ending Plastic Pollution Globally, calls for urgent attention to tackle one of the most pervasive environmental challenges of our time. It compels us to reflect, respond and recommit ourselves to sustainable choices that safeguard the future of our environment,” he said.
Dr. Muhammad Latief, Officer In-charge, Division of Landscape and Green Mission, led all the participants in taking a pledge to reduce plastic use, signaling the collective resolve of the university community. Dr. Shahnaz Parveen, Assistant Prof, conducted the programme proceedings and Dr. Priyanka Kumari, Assistant Prof. proposed the vote of thanks. Dr. Hameem Mushtaq was the rapporteur.
JAMMU: Anti Corruption Bureau received a complaint alleging therein that public servants namely Surinder Kumar, posted as B.O (Deputy Forester) in the Range Office, Kalidhar, Block Chowki Choura (now under transfer) and Kewal Krishan, then posted as Forest Guard with the said Dy. Forester (now posted at Forest Check Post Bridge, Akhnoor), demanded illegal gratification for release of additional CDR.
The accused persons had demanded a bribe of ₹14,000 from the complainant for release of additional CDR, which was deposited by the complainant during the execution of the work namely “Construction of 126 Boundary Pillars in Compartment No. 12/K, Nada Chargiyal Forest, Kalidhar Forest Range” allotted in reference to e-NIT No. 27 of 2024-25 dated 07-11-2024 of Forest Department. After negotiation, the accused public servants have agreed to take bribe amount of Rs 11,000/- (Rs 3000/- for the Dy. Forester and rest of the amount for Forest Guard) from the complainant for doing the needful. Since, the complainant didn’t want to pay bribe and he approached Anti-Corruption Bureau for taking legal action against the accused public servants under law.
On receipt of the complaint, a discreet verification was conducted, which confirms the demand of bribe by the public servants concerned and accordingly, a case FIR No. 11/2025 U/S 7 of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and section 61(2) BNS, 2023 was registered in Police Station ACB Jammu and investigation taken up.
During the course of investigation, a trap team was constituted. The team laid a successful trap and accused public servants were caught red-handed while demanding and accepting bribe amount of ₹11,000 from the complainant in the presence of independent witnesses. The accused persons were arrested on the spot by the ACB team after following due process of law. The bribe money was also recovered from their possession in presence of independent witnesses associated with the trap team. Moreover, searches are also being conducted in the residential houses of both the accused in presence of independent witnesses and Magistrates
Further investigation of the instant case is going on.
JAMMU: Jammu & Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau has registered a case under FIR No.02/2025 u/s 13(1)(b), r/w 13(2) of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018) at PS ACB Doda against accused person namely Nazir Ahmed Wani, a retired Tehsil Supply officer (TSO) of FCS & CA Department Banihal.
The case was initiated following a secret verification conducted by the ACB into the allegations that the said official had acquired assets, disproportionate to his known sources of income during his service tenure.
The verification reveals that the accused has amassed substantial moveable and immovable assets in his name and in the name of his family members. The verification revealed that the accused has accumulated significant assets including a residential house at Gujjar Nagar, Jammu, double storey house at Maitra Ramban, a residential complex along with 3 Shops at Chareel, Banihal, vehicles, financial documents and other evidence suggesting unaccounted wealth.
During the course of investigation, the ACB obtained search warrant from the Hon’ble Court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption, Doda and search was conducted at the residential complex situated at Old National High Way Road Chareel, Tehsil Banihal, District Ramban in presence of Magistrate and independent witnesses.
Further investigation of the case is in progress.
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