SRINAGAR, July 7: In a strategic move to foster sustainable development and urban ecological balance, Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Mandeep Kaur, visited the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) today to evaluate the university’s pioneering Green Campus initiatives.
The Commissioner Secretary was accompanied by the Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Faz Lul Haseeb. The delegation conducted an on-site inspection of the university’s comprehensive sustainability ecosystem. The visit highlighted SKUAST-K's successful implementation of a zero-waste campus model, which includes advanced rainwater harvesting systems, Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), and plastic waste management protocols.
Following the tour, a high-level meeting was convened, chaired by Commissioner Secretary Mandeep Kaur with Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, alongside senior officers from the university. The discussions cantered on finalizing a comprehensive roadmap to further strengthen and scale these green campus objectives, ensuring that the integration of nature, resource conservation, and technology remains at the forefront of the institution’s growth.
During the session, Commissioner Secretary Mandeep Kaur expressed strong appreciation for the university’s proactive approach toward environmental stewardship. Emphasizing the government’s commitment to eco-friendly urban development, she highlighted the intent to replicate the successful green models—particularly the water conservation and waste recycling mechanisms—established at SKUAST-K across various other government initiatives and public sector projects.
"The work being done here at SKUAST-K serves as a vital, replicable blueprint for our future urban planning," said Mandeep Kaur. "By integrating these scalable green practices—such as effective STP management and comprehensive plastic waste reduction—into wider government projects, we aim to create more resilient, energy-efficient, and environmentally conscious public spaces across the region."
The university leadership reaffirmed its commitment to providing technical expertise and knowledge support to the Urban Development Department, ensuring a collaborative effort in achieving long-term sustainability goals. The roadmap discussed today marks a significant step toward institutionalizing green governance and promoting sustainable development as a core pillar of public infrastructure.
