One lakh grant alloted to encourage students to start dialogue on environment in Srinagar 

Announcing to provide a grant of Rs one lakh to all schools up to one km from river Jehlum on both sides, Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar Shahid Iqbal Choudhary on Friday said the students will be involved for conversation of environment in the district. He said a major project for conservation of environment initiated in Srinagar comprises multiple components, aimed at protection of environment and advancement of environmental conservation.

Forest department, SK University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology (SKUAST) and schools, among others, would be involved in comprehensive efforts in this regard, he added. The project comprises multiple components, ranging from soil and moisture conservation to plantation to environmental education in schools to research-based planning and impact assessment.

Dr Shahid said under the environmental education component of the project, all schools up to one km from Jehlum river on both sides will be provided a grant of one lakh rupees and environmental clubs will be created for the students. The aim is to utilise the services of schools and students and help protect environment and promote advancement of environmental conservation, he pointed out.

Under the soil and moisture conservation component of the project, the district administration is providing Rs two crore to the Forest department for taking up activities, aimed at caring for the environment. It involves initiating various activities to protect the environment and promote a culture that cares for it and works towards advancement of environmental conservation of the environment. The Forest department will involve all local stakeholders and seek their advice and assistance in this effort. Some of the stakeholders to be involved therein will be environmental bodies and NGOs associated with efforts for environmental conservation in J&K in general and Srinagar in particular.