To promote environmental sustainability and encourage a greener future for all, the Kashmir University (KU) Sunday commemorated the ‘International Forest Day’ across its campuses.

KU’s National Service Scheme (NSS) wing spearheaded several plantation drives across various campuses and schools, an official statement issued here read.

Vice Chancellor, Kashmir University, Prof Nilofer Khan, commended the collective efforts of the NSS wing, faculty, students and community members in championing environmental conservation initiatives.

“As we mark International Forest Day, our university remains steadfast in its mission to nurture and preserve our natural heritage for generations to come,” an official spokesperson quoted Prof Khan as saying.

She reiterated the varsity’s commitment to fostering a culture of sustainability, the spokesperson said in the statement.

KU Registrar, Prof Naseer Iqbal, who led the initiative at the Institute of Technology (IoT), Zakura Campus, said: “KU always encourages and facilitates continued community participation in such endeavours across all the campuses by organising similar programmes all year round.”

He was joined by the Campus Director, Prof Gowhar Vakil, and  NSS Programme Coordinator, Dr Musavir Ahmed.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from student volunteers, faculty and campus employees, the statement read.

“Similarly, the NSS units at the North campus undertook a massive plantation drive, covering extensive areas within the campus premises,” the spokesperson said in the statement.

Director, North Campus, Dr Sheikh Ghulam Mohammad, inaugurated the plantation drive symbolising the university's commitment to environmental stewardship, the statement read.

Another drive took place at Higher Secondary School, Rainawari, where students and teachers actively engaged in the initiative under the supervision of the school's principal. “This collaborative effort underscored the importance of community involvement in fostering a sustainable ecosystem,” it read further.

Reaffirming the organisation’s dedication to promoting a clean, healthy and green environment, NSS Programme Coordinator, Dr Musavir Ahmed, highlighted the tireless efforts of NSS volunteers and programme officers in colleges and schools, while emphasising their pivotal role in fulfilling NSS's mandate, said the spokesperson in the statement.

He thanked Abdul Hamid of ‘Rahim Greens’ for facilitating the procurement of saplings, essential for the success of the plantation drives.

NSS Programme Officers, Dr Aarish, Dr Bilal Kaloo, Dr Maliha, Dr Rifat, Dr Mubashir, Dr Kounsar, Dr Irdhad, Farooq Ahmad and Gowhar Khursheed, coordinated the events across the campuses, the statement added.