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SRINAGAR: As part of continued efforts to promote environmental awareness and sustainability beyond World Environment Day, Vice Chancellor of the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, inaugurated a Herbal Park at Khimber, Srinagar dedicated to aromatic, medicinal, and herbal plant species and called for nurturing environmentally conscious and innovation-driven future generations.
The initiative, jointly undertaken by the Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation (NLCO) and Bilaliya Educational Institute (BEI), witnessed the plantation of a large number of medicinal, aromatic and indigenous herbal species, transforming the campus into a vibrant green space and a living laboratory for environmental education, biodiversity conservation and sustainable learning.
The event drew enthusiastic participation from students, academicians, environmentalists, government officials, civil society members and representatives of various educational and environmental organisations.
Among the distinguished guests present on the occasion were Dr. G.N. Itoo, Former Director General School Education and Director Centre for Good Governance and Policy Analysis, IUST; Dr. Farooq Peer, Former Secretary JKBOSE; Farooq A. Gillani, Former Chief Conservator of Forests; Dr. G.N. Qasba, Former Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation and Prof. Sajad Ahmad Gangoo, Dean Students Welfare, SKUAST-Kashmir.
The programme was also attended by Ghulam Mohiuddin, Chief Education Officer Srinagar; Manzoor Ahmad, Project Officer, LCMA; Vandana Daftari, Regional Head, Art of Living; Abdul Rouf Khan, Incubation Manager (Startups & Innovations), SKUAST-K; Ishrat Aslam, Enforcement Officer, LCMA; Dr. Shahnawaz Ahmad Dar, University of Kashmir; Er. Abdul Rashid, University of Kashmir; Lateef Ahmad, DFO, SMC; Shamim Shah, TAFI; Burhan Misger, TAFI; Farooq Kuthoo, President, TAAK; Farooq Ashai & Khursheed Ahmad of Crescent Public School; Peerzada Fayyaz Ahmad, State Convenor, RTSOI; Showkat Hussain, Educationist; Adil Ahmad, Project Officer, Climate Reality; Dr. Sajad of Kashmir Agro; Syed Zubair Andrabi; Dr. Lateif Ahmad, Civil Society Representative; Gulzar Ahmad, Educationist; environmental activists, media personnel, police officials and students from BEI, Crescent Public School and Tibetan Public School.
A large number of students participated in the plantation drive and awareness programme, reflecting the growing commitment of the younger generation towards environmental conservation and sustainable living.
Welcoming the gathering, Chairman NLCO and BEI, Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo, highlighted the organisation’s sustained efforts to promote environmental stewardship through practical action and community engagement. He briefed the audience about several initiatives undertaken by NLCO, including Mission Ehsaas and the ongoing transformation of the Khimber campus into a model green learning space. He also expressed gratitude to the chief guest, guests of honour, partner institutions, government departments and students for their support and participation.
Addressing the gathering, IUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Shakil Romshoo underscored the importance of fostering innovation, creativity and scientific temper among students. Stressing the effective implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, he said that future generations must be equipped with innovative thinking and environmental consciousness to tackle emerging global and local challenges. He also assured institutional support for organising technical sessions and awareness programmes on environmental stewardship for students of BEI.
Other speakers emphasized the urgent need for environmental stewardship, biodiversity conservation and collective community action to address the growing ecological challenges facing the region. They lauded the efforts of NLCO Chairman Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo and Team BEI for promoting environmental awareness through meaningful initiatives that create a lasting impact.
The proceedings of the programme were conducted by Peerzada Fayyaz Ahmad, National Convenor of the Responsible Tourism Society of India (RTSOI), who ensured the smooth and engaging conduct of the event.
The newly established Herbal Park is envisioned as a vibrant centre for environmental education, research, awareness, and experiential learning. By providing students with hands-on exposure to medicinal and aromatic plant species, the initiative aims to foster ecological consciousness, promote biodiversity conservation and inspire future generations to become champions of sustainability and responsible citizenship.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Principal of BEI, Nissar Ahmad, who acknowledged the contributions of all dignitaries, participants, departments, volunteers, and students in making the programme a success.