Environment

Earth Day 2025: EPG seminar in Srinagar emphasizes climate action and youth engagement

22 April 2025

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Srinagar: To mark Earth Day 2025, the Environmental Policy Group (EPG) in collaboration with Bluebells School organized a thought-provoking one-day seminar at Bluebells School Auditorium in Khayyar, Srinagar today. The event brought together senior government officials, environmental experts, educators, journalists, and students to deliberate on climate change, sustainable development, and ecological conservation.

The seminar commenced with participant registration, recitation, and Naat-i-Shareef, setting a reflective tone for the day. Faiz Bakshi, Convenor of EPG, delivered the welcome address and felicitated the Chief Guest, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri (IAS), Divisional Commissioner Kashmir. In his keynote remarks, Bakshi underlined the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in combating environmental degradation:

“Earth Day reminds us that the health of our planet is intricately linked to the health of our communities and future generations. It is our collective responsibility to adopt sustainable practices and advocate for policies that protect our environment.”

He also announced that EPG has scheduled a series of upcoming environmental awareness events in educational institutions across Sopore, Baramulla, Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, and Budgam.

Insightful technical sessions

A series of impactful technical sessions followed, with distinguished experts sharing their insights:

Altaf Ahmad Andrabi, former Director of Agriculture, explored the Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture.
Imad Ul Riyaz, international climate and sustainability expert, addressed India’s Path to Net Zero, highlighting the roles of youth, jobs, and investment.
Dr. G.N. Qasba, former SMC Commissioner, discussed Solid Waste Management in urban Kashmir.
Ajaz Rasool, Governing Council Member of EPG, presented an overview of Aquatic Ecology of River Jhelum and Wular Lake.
Er. Abdul Rashid Bhat, from the University of Kashmir, introduced a short film on the Role of Media in Environmental Conservation.

Youth-led contributions

Adding a youthful voice to the conversation, students from Bluebells School and Pologround Football Academy delivered inspiring presentations. Zaira Khursheed, Rouh Ullah, and Shanya Khadija shared Earth Day messages, while Jaza Fatima recited a poem that resonated with the audience’s environmental conscience.

Distinguished guest addresses

Prominent civil society figures and environmentalists also addressed the gathering:

Zareef Ahmad Zareef, poet and conservationist
Javaid Ahmed Tenga, President of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI)
Dr. G.N. Itoo, Director School Education
Dr. Waseem Raja, Additional Secretary, Forest, Ecology & Environment
Dr. Gazalla Hassan, Senior Scientist, J&K Pollution Control Committee
Gowhar Geelani, senior journalist and columnist

The Chief Guest, Mr. Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, in his address, emphasized the urgency of collective climate action and praised civil society’s role in fostering environmental stewardship.

Recognition and Honours

In a moment of celebration, mementos were presented to various contributors, including:

Zareef Ahmad Zareef, for planting 62 traditional Chinar trees over 40 years
Javaid Ahmad Tenga, KCCI
Er. Ajaz Rasool, Dr. G.N. Qasba, Mr. Andrabi, Mr. Imad Ul Riyaz
Athar Parvaiz, senior environmental journalist
Dr. Gazalla Hassan, J&K Pollution Control Committee
Dr. Tauseef Ahmad Bhat, Co-founder of EPG, for his contributions to sustainability