Srinagar, Feb 27 (KINS): In a major push for river conservation and environmental sustainability, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), in collaboration with the National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, organized a series of public awareness programs across the city.
The initiative featured a Walkathon, Plog Run, Plantation Drive, Cleanliness Drives for Water Bodies, Quiz Competition, Essay Writing, and Slogan Competition, all aimed at educating and engaging the public in preserving water resources.
The events saw enthusiastic participation from students, environmentalists, volunteers, and local citizens, highlighting a shared commitment to protecting the region’s vital water bodies.
SMC Commissioner Dr. Owais Ahmed actively took part in the Plog Run, Plantation Drive, and Walkathon, leading by example and emphasizing the importance of collective action.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Owais stressed the need for sustainable water management and urged citizens to embrace eco-friendly practices.
“Rivers are the lifelines of our ecosystem, and it is our duty to conserve them for future generations. Through these awareness programs, we aim to instill a sense of responsibility among the public. I urge everyone to join hands in protecting our water bodies and ensuring a greener, cleaner environment,” he said.
The Plog Run combined fitness with environmental action, as participants collected plastic waste along riverbanks. The Plantation Drive focused on increasing green cover near water bodies to prevent soil erosion and improve water quality, while the Cleanliness Drive aimed at removing pollutants and restoring the natural flow of water channels.
Meanwhile, the Quiz, Essay Writing, and Slogan Competitions provided young minds with a platform to showcase their knowledge and creativity on river conservation. Winners were felicitated with certificates and awards to encourage their continued contributions to environmental protection.
The Srinagar Municipal Corporation reaffirmed its commitment to preserving natural resources and urged the community to actively participate in conservation efforts. Citizens were encouraged to avoid littering, reduce plastic usage, and support local initiatives to ensure a cleaner, healthier environment.(KINS)
