The Department of Environment, Sustainability & Climate Change, Islamic University of Science & Technology (IUST), in collaboration with the Social Forestry Department, Pulwama; Floriculture Department, Kashmir; and the Department of Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing (DEERS), organized a Plantation Drive cum Environmental Awareness Campaign at the IUST campus today. The initiative aimed to promote environmental consciousness and sustainability among students and faculty members.

The event was inaugurated by Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo, Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, IUST, in the presence of Prof. Abdul Wahid Makdoomi, Registrar, IUST; Prof. A.H. Moon, Dean Academics; Prof. Humayun Rashid, Professor of Practice; Prof. Parvez A. Mir, CEO, CIED; Ms. Gazalla Abdullah, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Social Forestry, Pulwama; Shri Manzoor Ahmad Beig, Executive Engineer, R&B Pulwama; Shri S. Iqbal Qurashi, Deputy Registrar, Estates; Dr. Asifa Baba, Dean Students Welfare; Dr. Sumira Nazir Zaz, Coordinator, Department of Environment, Sustainability & Climate Change; Dr. Dharam Chand, Coordinator, Biodiversity & Aromatic Park; Shri Sajad Ahmad Khaki, Mass Media Officer (DEERS); Dr. Yasir Altaf; and Dr. Zubair Ahmad Dar, along with other faculty members, students, and field staff from the collaborating departments.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Romshoo underscored the importance of collective efforts in addressing climate change and environmental degradation. He highlighted the role of youth in safeguarding natural resources and urged students to actively participate in green initiatives. Prof. Humayun Rashid emphasized the significance of environmental conservation and the role of academic institutions in fostering sustainability and positive attitudes.

The plantation drive is part of a larger environmental awareness campaign initiated by the Department of Environment, Sustainability & Climate Change. The campaign aims to encourage tree plantation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable environmental practices within and beyond the university campus. As part of the initiative, 50 Chinar saplings were provided by the Floriculture Department, while 250 Deodar saplings were supplied by the Social Forestry Department. The local community also participated actively in the plantation drive, further reinforcing the shared responsibility toward a greener future.