Speakers at a daylong event on Thursday stressed the need for conservation of water and preservation of natural resources in J&K.
The event ‘Education and Environment: Our times, ourchallenges’ was organized by Moral Education, Environment and Relief Council(MEERC) under the aegis of Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir(PSAJ&K) at convocation complex of Kashmir University (KU).
The function witnessed jam packed gathering of students ofvarious private schools of valley besides other dignitaries.
Speaking at the occasion, VC Kashmir University (KU) ProfTalat Ahmad expressed concern over depletion of natural water outlets in valleywhich he said were main cause of flooding.
“Wherever we had natural outlet of water is not there now inKashmir. Even a short spell of rain results in flooding in city and otherareas,” Prof. Talat said.
He said the man made changes in the environment disturb thewhole eco system.
“Society particularly the students should have the knowledgeabout environment and surroundings. The nature has its own way to beappreciated,” he said.
Referring to the recent rainfall which submerged the wholecity centre here, Prof. Talat said the city witnessed flood like situation dueto damages made to environment.
The KU VC said the Valley witnessed felling of trees in variouscatchment areas which were cut by people for their own comfort.
“When we cut trees for our own comfort it is going todisturb the whole ecosystem. Due to cutting of trees lot of soil gets erodedand gets into lakes and rivers and creates problem,” he said.
In his address, VC Chancellor Central University of Kashmir(CUK Prof. Mehraj-ud-din Mir stressed on water conservation and said the asingle drop of water is very important as “Almighty has bestowed us withnatural resources and which are supposed to remain preserved.”
“Moral education usually begins from home and the educationshould not remain confined to Madrasas and homes only, this education should begiven to the students of all schools,” he said.
Muhammad Aadam from Bolton UK in his address called forwater conservation and preservation of natural resources.
Dr Mahmood Chandia from University of Central Lancashire, UKin his address called on the people to refrain from using polythene which endup harming the environment.
Chairman MEERC, Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo while speaking at theoccasion said they have decided to plant one million trees in coming years.