Environmental Day Celebrated at HSS Akingam: A Commitment to Land Restoration and Sustainability

Akingam, June 5, 2024 – HSS Akingam marked World Environment Day with an inspiring and educational program emphasizing the urgent need for land restoration, addressing desertification, and building drought resilience. The event, attended by enthusiastic students and dedicated staff, began with a collective pledge to protect and nurture the environment. This solemn moment set the tone for the day's activities, as students and staff members stood together, united in their commitment to environmental stewardship. The pledge underscored the importance of individual and collective responsibility in addressing environmental challenges.

The program commenced with Mr. Irfan Ahmad Badam, Lecturer in Zoology, who delivered an insightful address on this year's theme: Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience. He stressed the importance of community responsibility and practical measures such as recycling waste, sustainable farming practices, drip irrigation methods, and the use of organic fertilizers. Mr. Badam also highlighted the crucial role of government departments in environmental protection.

Following Mr. Badam's address, several students shared their thoughts and insights. Muqadas Reyaz of Class 10th discussed the intricate relationship between humans and the environment, while Junaid Ahmad, also from Class 10th, focused on the global movement for land restoration and drought resilience. Aneesa Farooq, another 10th grader, emphasized the importance of saying no to plastic use, highlighting its significant environmental impact. Sabat Fida of Class 10th spoke on the vital need for water conservation, and Aneeqa Gulzar, likewise from Class 10th, connected maintaining a healthy lifestyle with sustaining a healthy environment. Nafiya Bashir of Class 9th engaged the audience by raising thought-provoking questions about the significance of World Environment Day. She asked why it is crucial to dedicate a day to the environment and what the observance aims to achieve globally. Nafiya then provided a thorough explanation of this year’s theme, delving into the critical issues of land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience. She discussed how these challenges affect ecosystems and human communities, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable practices and proactive measures. By elucidating the theme, she highlighted the importance of collective efforts in combating environmental degradation and fostering a more resilient and sustainable future for all. Naira Manzoor, also from Class 9th, presented the historical background of World Environment Day celebrations. Mehar Javid of Class 11th delivered an inspiring message about our collective ability to address environmental issues, and Suhana Shabir, another 11th grader, reinforced the call to avoid using plastic.

The Head of the Institution, Mr. Mohd Abass Rather, enriched the event with a traditional Kashmiri saying, “AN POOSH TELI YELI WAN POOSHI,” underscoring the deep-rooted cultural respect for nature. He emphasized the need for practical action in combating global warming and environmental changes, and the increasing movement of wild animals into plain areas due to habitat disruption. Mr. M.A Rather expressed his gratitude towards the students and staff for their enthusiastic participation and cooperation.

Concluding the awareness program, students and teachers embarked on a nature walk to the local forest block. This excursion was an opportunity for teachers to educate students on their responsibilities in preserving natural resources and the importance of being proactive stewards of the environment.

The event at HSS Akingam not only highlighted critical environmental issues but also fostered a sense of responsibility and action among the participants, reinforcing the school's commitment to a sustainable future.