BANI, Jun 6: To celebrate World Environment Day, the Eco Club, Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) committee, and NSS Unit of Government Degree College (GDC) Bani organized a Plantation Drive in collaboration with the Forest Department and Traffic Police Department in the college premises to promote environmental sustainability and spread awareness about the importance of preserving nature. The programme was conducted under the guidance of the Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Neena Gupta.
The programme witnessed active participation from NSS volunteers, faculty members, officials of the Forest Department, and personnel from the Traffic Police Department. Officials from the Basohli Forest Division and the Bani Forest Range, led by Range Officer Mr. Vinay Anand and his team provided the saplings for plantation. During the programme, saplings of Chir Pine (Cheed), Deodar Cedar, and Himalayan Oak (Banjh) were planted within the college premises to enhance the green cover, promote biodiversity, and encourage environmental stewardship among students.
Addressing the participants, the Principal of GDC Bani, Prof. (Dr.) Neena Gupta, appreciated the joint efforts of the collaborating departments and emphasized the importance of tree plantation in maintaining ecological balance. She encouraged students to take responsibility for nurturing the saplings and adopting environmentally conscious practices in their daily lives.
Representatives from the Forest Department highlighted the crucial role of afforestation in environmental conservation and climate resilience. Officials from the Traffic Police Department also spoke about the significance of a clean and green environment in ensuring the well-being of society.
As part of the ongoing activities under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA), participants also took a pledge against drug abuse and planted saplings under the banner “Ek Ped Nashe Ke Virudh”. Nodal Officer (NMBA) Dr. J. S. Soodan, highlighted the importance of linking environmental conservation with the mission of building a healthy, drug-free society.
Among the faculty members present on the occasion were Prof. Naseeb Kumar Bhagat (Environmental Science) convener of Eco Club, Dr. J. S. Soodan (Physical Director) Nodal Officer NMBA, Dr. Resham Singh (Punjabi), Dr. Narinder Kumar (Dogri), Prof. Akash Zutshi (History), Prof. Vishab Thappa (English), Dr. Nisha Devi (Hindi) NSS PO, Dr. Sunil Kumar (Urdu), Racchpall Sharma and Himanshu Sharma. They appreciated the initiative and encouraged students to actively participate in environmental conservation activities and awareness programmes aimed at building a sustainable future.