Collaborative efforts needed for environmental protection

Nauni, June 5, 2023: Collaborative long term efforts are needed to conserve the environment and the adoption of an eco-friendly lifestyle will go a long way in achieving this goal. Zaffar Iqbal, Commissioner MC Solan, who was the Chief Guest during the Environmental Day celebration at Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, expressed these views at the university on Monday. The event was part of the Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE) Mission under which the university had organized several programmes and competitions in the past fortnight.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest urged everyone to become part of the solution and implement the mantra of ‘Reduce, Recycle and Reuse’ from our homes to the office. He also called for developing an environmentally conscious mentality and inculcating yoga and meditation as part of the proper work-life balance. He congratulated the university for holding a diverse range of programmes under the LiFE mission. Dr Sanjeev Chauhan, Director Research of the university also asked the students and staff to reduce dependence on single-use plastics and find sustainable alternatives.

Nisha Thakur, an entrepreneur from Subathu showcased the different products she has developed from pine needles. She shared her journey of how pine agri-waste could be converted into useful products which fetched handsome returns in the market.

Earlier, Dr Rajesh Kaushal gave a presentation on the various activities held under the LiFE mission at the university and regional stations. The activities began on May 22 and culminated today on the occasion of Environment Day. It included oath-taking, competitions in schools and university, lectures on Environmental Conservation, rallies, awareness campaigns on millets, yoga and meditation sessions etc. Cleaning of water bodies, restriction on movement of vehicles in the campus and mandatory switching off of lights in hostels and residences was also done under this mission. This programme was supported by NAHEP IDP.

The Chief Guest also gave away prizes to the winners of the declamation, poster, slogan writing, skit and painting competitions organized at the university and the Government Schools.   Dr. Arun Handa, Principal Scientist from CAFRI Jhansi, university staff and students, and schoolchildren from Government Senior Secondary schools of Shamrod, Gaura and Pabiyana also took part in the event.