‘Environment First’ is our vision, vows ecosystem revival: LG

Srinagar, June 05: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha took a firm stand for environmental conservation at the “Our Land, Our Future” conference on World Environment Day in Sazgaripora, Srinagar. In a rallying call for collective action, Lt Governor Sinha emphasized the urgent need for land restoration to combat pressing challenges like land degradation, drought, and desertification.
Highlighting the vision of “Environment First,” Lt Governor Sinha reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to rejuvenate damaged ecosystems. He stressed that collective efforts to reverse ecosystem degradation would enhance livelihoods, ensure food security, and mitigate extreme weather events.
Lt Governor Sinha urged NGOs, financial institutions, businesses, volunteers, civil society members, and individuals to become “Agents of Change” and dedicate themselves to ecological preservation and restoration. He emphasized pollution prevention, increasing green cover, and conserving natural resources as common goals.
Reiterating the UT Administration’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable living, Lt Governor Sinha discussed government initiatives aimed at protecting and preserving Jammu and Kashmir’s rich biodiversity.
Setting two important goals for citizens, Lt Governor Sinha called for the cessation of single-use plastic and the strengthening of waste management systems. He also encouraged rural residents to identify projects in their villages to restore ecosystems and prevent land degradation.
Acknowledging the contribution of the Nigeen Lake Conservation Organization in revitalizing the Gilsar-Khushalsarwaterbody, Lt Governor Sinha assured full support from the administration for the organization’s endeavors.
On this occasion, participants took an environment protection pledge. The theme for World Environment Day this year focuses on Land Degradation, Desertification, and Drought Resilience.
Present at the event were MandeepKaur, Commissioner Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department; Vijay Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; Dr. Bashir Ahmad Bhat, VC LCMA; ManzoorWangnoo, Chairman Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation; along with senior officials, social activists, volunteers, and youth in large numbers.