Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. JAMMU: The Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu, in collaboration with the Green Campus Task Force (GCTF-JU), organised its flagship initiative, ‘Save Tawi Campaign’, on the banks of River Tawi, during the last two days of the Navratri festival. The campaign aimed to raise public awareness about the importance of maintaining the cleanliness of River Tawi and highlight the causes and consequences of immersing plastic and other non-biodegradable materials during the ritual of ‘Saakh Visarjan’.
Approximately 50 students and volunteers participated in the campaign. Divided into groups, the students interacted with devotees and educated them about the harmful effects of immersing plastics, synthetic dyes and idols made from toxic substances in the river. They highlighted that such practices cause water contamination, threaten aquatic organisms, degrade water quality and disturb the overall ecosystem.
As part of the campaign, participants encouraged devotees to immerse only the traditional Khetri ‘Saakh’ in the river. They also collected offerings, including chunris, coconuts, earthen pots and plastic waste, from devotees and ensured their proper segregation.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Deepika Slathia, Head of the Department and Convener, GCTF-JU, emphasised the need to adopt effective measures and sustainable practices for the preservation and protection of River Tawi, which serves as the lifeline of Jammu. She also highlighted the importance of fostering ecological responsibility, particularly during festive celebrations.
Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Teacher In-charge, observed that engaging students in such initiatives fosters a strong sense of environmental stewardship and provides hands-on learning opportunities to understand the sources of water pollution and the importance of protecting aquatic resources.
Prof. Piyush Malaviya and Dr. Anshu Gupta of the Department interacted with local residents, highlighted their concerns and disseminated the message of river conservation through media bytes and electronic media, thereby raising public awareness about the need to protect River Tawi and maintain its ecological health.
During the interaction, devotees appreciated the Department’s initiative and extended their full cooperation towards the success of the campaign. The programme culminated in a cleanliness drive along the riverbanks. Faculty members, student volunteers and local residents participated enthusiastically in the initiative, reflecting a collective commitment to river conservation and environmental protection.
