Srinagar, August 16, (KNS): In a significant stride towards sustainability and community empowerment, the Housing and Urban Development Department (H&UDD) of Jammu & Kashmir, in collaboration with Swaaha, successfully concluded the Swachhta Pakhwada 2024 with a grand event named “SANKALP.” The event, held at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) was marked by the inauguration of the SHG Exhibition and the Waste to Art Pavilion.
The event was inaugurated by Mandeep Kaur Commissioner Secretary H&UDD, who emphasized the administration’s commitment to fostering a sustainable future for the region. In her address,Ms.Mandeep highlighted the importance of community participation in environmental initiatives, stating, “SANKALP is not just an event but a movement towards creating a sustainable Jammu & Kashmir. The involvement of Self-Help Groups and the creative re-use of waste materials reflect our collective commitment to a cleaner, greener future.”
A key highlight of SANKALP was the panel discussion on the “Srinagar Declaration,” which brought together distinguished panelists from various fields to discuss their perspectives on creating a sustainable Jammu & Kashmir. The panel included tourism consultant Vicky Shaw, environmental law advocate Nadeem Qadri, Mathoora Masoom, , Director of ULB kashmir, Swaaha's Sameer Sharma, Javed Tenga from the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), and Prof. Dr. Naseer Iqbal, Registrar, University of Kashmir .
During the discussion, each panelist offered valuable insights and suggestions from their respective domains. Vicky Shaw emphasized the need for sustainable tourism practices to preserve the region's natural beauty, while Nadeem Qadri highlighted the importance of environmental laws and policies in safeguarding the ecosystem. Ms. Mathoora Masoom discussed the role of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in implementing sustainable practices at the grassroots level. Sameer Sharma from Swaaha underscored the significance of waste management and public awareness initiatives. Javed Tenga spoke on the contribution of the business community to sustainable development, and Prof. Dr. Naseer Iqbal shared how academic institutions can play a pivotal role in training and education on sustainability. The panelists collectively put forward actionable points on how they could contribute to a sustainable Jammu & Kashmir, reinforcing the event’s focus on collective action and community involvement.
The Exhibition, a key feature of the event, displayed the remarkable contributions of Self-Help Groups and entrepreneurs from across the Union Territory. These groups, primarily composed of women, have been instrumental in promoting sustainable livelihoods and empowering local communities. The exhibition featured a diverse range of products, from handloom textiles to organic foods, all produced with an emphasis on sustainability and economic self-reliance.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Accompanying the Exhibition was the Waste to Art Pavilion, an innovative initiative that turned the spotlight on the creative potential of recycling. The pavilion showcased artwork crafted from discarded materials, demonstrating the possibilities of waste transformation. The displayed pieces were not only aesthetically pleasing but also carried a strong message about the importance of waste management and the circular economy.
SANKALP marks the culmination of the Swachhta Pakhwada 2024, a two-week-long cleanliness drive organized by H&UDD in various parts of Jammu & Kashmir. During this period, numerous initiatives were undertaken, including sanitation drives, awareness campaigns, and waste management projects. The event also spotlighted the successful distribution of 50,000 sustainable kits to pilgrims participating in the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, a testament to H&UDD’s commitment to promoting hygiene and sustainability during large gatherings.
In addition, the Swachhta Pakhwada saw the installation of sanitary pad vending machines, pink toilets, and water ATMs at strategic locations across the Union Territory. Awareness programs were conducted in schools, and the Yatra Mitra volunteers played a crucial role in educating the public about waste segregation and environmental conservation. These efforts were part of a larger strategy to enhance public health and hygiene standards in the region.
The success of SANKALP and the Swachhta Pakhwada initiatives reflect the growing awareness and active participation of the people of Jammu & Kashmir in sustainability efforts. As the event drew to a close, there was a unanimous call for continued action and greater community involvement in environmental initiatives.
Ms. Mandeep Kaur, Commisioner secretary, H&UDD urged the public to carry forward the momentum generated by SANKALP, saying, “Our journey towards a sustainable future has only just begun. Let us all take this pledge, this Sankalp, to protect and preserve our beautiful Jammu & Kashmir for future generations.”
The event concluded with a sense of optimism and a strong resolve to build on the achievements of the Swachhta Pakhwada. As Jammu & Kashmir continues its journey towards sustainability, initiatives like SANKALP stand as a testament to the power of collective action and the potential of every individual to make a difference.
To mention, the cost of projects inaugurated Virtually by Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Shri Manoj Sinha is 102 Crores. The projects have been implemented in the cities and towns of Jammu and Kashmir by Urban Local Bodies Jammu & Kashmir, JMC, SMC, SSCL & JSCL.Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor also laid the foundation stone of projects amounting to 26.25 Cr. These projects are under execution by ULB Jammu and Kashmir.(KNS)