05/06/2026
World Environment Day Celebrated In Budgam With Plantation Drive & Awareness Programme Organised By Social Forestry Deptt In Collaboration With PSA
PSA Chief Patron G.N. Var Says Our Future Depends On The Environment; Urges Schools & Students To Become Ambassadors of Environmental Conservation
"Public Engagement Remains Vital For The Success of Afforestation & Ecological Restoration Efforts," Say Social Forestry Deptt Officials
“Environmental Conservation Is a Year-Round Mission, Not A One-Day Activity": Dr. Owais Mattoo
Budgam, 05 June, 2026: World Environment Day 2026 was celebrated with great enthusiasm and commitment at Green Field School, Huroo Budgam, through a large-scale plantation drive and environmental awareness programme jointly organized by the Social Forestry Range Budgam, Private Schools Association (PSA) and Green Field School Huroo, Budgam.
The event witnessed active participation of students, teachers, officials from the Social Forestry Department, representatives of PSA, NGOs, civil society members and environmental volunteers, all united in spreading the message of environmental conservation and sustainable living.
The chief guest on the occasion was renowned educationist, NISA Joint Secretary and PSA Chief Patron Dr. G.N. Var. The guest of honour was Block Officer, Social Forestry Budgam, Dr. Lateef Ahmad Shagoo. Other distinguished guests included President, Jammu & Kashmir Trade Union Council, Abdul Majeed Parray; PSA Director Media & Communications & District President Budgam Dr. Owais Mattoo; Ghulam Ahmad Kuchay; Bashir Ahmad Dar Secretary, Al-Kareem Institution; Chairman, Green Field School Huroo, Mohammad Maqbool and Principal Ms. Ulfat Abdullah. The programme was also attended by a large gathering of students, teachers and officials of the Social Forestry Department.
As part of the celebration, a plantation drive was also conducted within the school premises to promote greenery and strengthen efforts towards environmental sustainability. Students actively participated in awareness sessions highlighting the importance of protecting natural resources, combating pollution and addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest, NISA Joint Secretary Dr. G.N. Var lauded the Social Forestry Department Budgam Range for extending its role beyond departmental responsibilities and actively partnering with educational institutions to nurture environmentally conscious citizens.
He said "Education is not confined to textbooks and classrooms alone. Schools must equip students with fresh ideas, critical thinking and practical solutions to the challenges facing society. Environmental protection is one such challenge that requires awareness and collective action. Today's students must understand not only the significance of World Environment Day but also the vital responsibilities it places upon them as future custodians of the environment, entrusted with protecting and preserving the planet for generations to come."."
Dr. Var encouraged students to adopt an practical-based approach towards learning and urged them to explore environmental issues scientifically and socially. Referring to the teachings of Islam and the Holy Quran, he highlighted that environmental degradation is often the result of human actions and stressed that Islam places great emphasis on the protection and preservation of the environment. He said that Islam teaches human beings to act as responsible custodians of the earth, maintain ecological balance, avoid wastefulness and protect natural resources and all forms of life.
He further said that caring for the environment is not only a social responsibility but also a religious and moral duty in Islam, as the faith encourages respect for nature and sustainable use of the blessings bestowed by Almighty Allah. The growing environmental crisis, rising levels of pollution and worsening ecological imbalance demand that we rethink our approach towards environmental conservation and work collectively to restore, protect and preserve a clean, healthy and sustainable environment for future generations.
Dr.Var concluded his speech by calling upon students to become ambassadors of environmental awareness in their homes and communities and to contribute actively towards building a greener, cleaner and healthier future.
Abdul Majeed Parray, President Jammu & Kashmir Trade Union Council, stressed that plantation must go beyond ceremonial activities and should be accompanied by long-term care and protection of saplings.
Parray said "Plantation drive is among the most effective solutions to tackle increasing pollution and environmental degradation. However, our responsibility does not end with planting a sapling. Every tree planted must be protected, watered and nurtured. Environmental conservation requires collective commitment from students, teachers, parents and society at large."
He expressed concern over the increasing impact of pollution and changing climatic conditions and emphasized that afforestation and reforestation initiatives are essential for safeguarding future generations. He urged students to motivate their friends, families and neighbours to participate in environmental protection efforts and support plantation campaigns in their localities.
Parray also appreciated the Social Forestry Department, NGOs, PSA and Green Field School management for organizing the programme and creating awareness among young learners about their environmental responsibilities.
Dr. Owais Mattoo, PSA Director Media and Communications & District President Budgam, said that "World Environment Day is not merely a symbolic celebration, it is a reminder of our collective responsibility towards the planet that sustains us. There is a reason why such programmes are organized in schools. We are here among students because they are the future architects of society and the future of humanity is inseparably linked with the future of our environment. Our lives, our health, our economy and our very existence are completely dependent on Mother Earth and therefore protecting and preserving it is one of our foremost responsibilities."
He said "Environmental awareness cannot remain confined to a single day or a ceremonial plantation drive. The real objective is to inspire a lasting change in mindset and behaviour. Every sapling planted today should be nurtured and protected so that it grows into a source of life for future generations. Through such initiatives, we aim to instill among students a sense of ownership towards nature and encourage them to become ambassadors of environmental protection within their families and communities."
Dr. Mattoo further said "Under the visionary leadership of NISA Joint Secretary and PSA Chief Patron Dr. G.N. Var Sahib and the guidance of PSA State President Bilal Ahmad Bhat and General Secretary (Organisation) Mohammad Syed Wani, the Private Schools Association has been actively promoting social awareness programs, educational and environmental initiatives across Jammu and Kashmir. We firmly believe that environmental conservation is not a one-day activity but a year-round mission that requires sustained commitment, awareness and action."
He concluded "The PSA will continue to collaborate with educational institutions, government departments, NGOs and civil society organizations to organize meaningful programmes that create awareness and encourage positive environmental practices. By educating our young generation and involving them in practical initiatives such as plantation drives, we can collectively build a greener, healthier and more sustainable future for coming generations."
Block Officer Social Forestry Budgam Dr. Lateef Ahmad Shagoo also spoke about the importance of community participation in afforestation efforts and urged students to actively contribute towards maintaining ecological balance by protecting trees and preserving biodiversity.
The programme featured interactive awareness sessions, motivational talks, plantation activities and student participation segments, all aimed at instilling a deep sense of environmental responsibility among young learners.
The speakers unanimously stressed that environmental conservation is a collective responsibility and that meaningful change can only be achieved through sustained public participation, awareness and action. The event concluded with a pledge by students and participants to protect the environment, promote tree plantation and adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives.
Presenting the vote of thanks, Chairman Green Field School, Mohammad Maqbool, expressed his sincere gratitude to all the distinguished guests, officials, educators, Social Forestry Department personnel, media fraternity, teachers and students for their enthusiastic participation and valuable contribution in making the World Environment Day programme a success. He particularly thanked NISA Joint Secretary and PSA Chief Patron Dr. G.N. Var, PSA District President Budgam Dr. Owais Mattoo, Block Officer Social Forestry Budgam Dr. Lateef Ahmad Shagoo, Abdul Majeed Parray and other dignitaries for gracing the occasion and sharing their insightful views on environmental conservation.
The programme concluded with a strong message on environmental conservation, sustainability and collective responsibility, making the World Environment Day celebration a meaningful and impactful initiative dedicated to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development.
