On June 5, 2025, the city of Jammu came together in a powerful demonstration of environmental responsibility and civic participation to mark World Environment Day 2025. Celebrated under the global theme “Ending Plastic Pollution”, the day became a milestone moment in the city’s journey toward sustainable urban living.

In a heartfelt and community-driven initiative, Ward No. 38 became a focal point for action. A special awareness campaign was organized at the Vending Zone, where both residents and street vendors actively engaged in discussions on waste segregation and the ban on single-use plastic (SUP). The event not only spread awareness about the detrimental effects of plastic pollution but also educated the public on the role of individual action in driving systemic change.

Simultaneously, Swachhta Pledges were taken in Ward No. 38 and Ward No. 8, reflecting a shared commitment across communities. Citizens, municipal officials, sanitation workers and volunteers pledged to make Jammu cleaner, greener and plastic-free, reinforcing the message that sustainable change begins at the grassroots level.

A notable highlight of the day was in Ward No. 8, where the groundwork for a second compost pit was initiated. This move represents a shift toward decentralized solid waste management, emphasizing composting as a practical, eco-friendly method for handling organic waste. By encouraging households to take responsibility for their own biodegradable waste, the city is setting an example for community-led composting and self-reliant waste solutions.

The success of these events was made possible through the unwavering support of the Jammu Municipal Corporation, community leaders and enthusiastic residents. By linking local action with global goals, Jammu showcased how every ward, every citizen and every small effort counts in the larger mission to protect our planet.

With this impactful observance of World Environment Day, Jammu didn’t just celebrate a date on the calendar it demonstrated its resolve to be a plastic-free, progressive and environmentally conscious city.

Under the banner of “Mera Sheher Meri Pehchaan,” the historic Poonch Fort recently witnessed a remarkable Clean-Up and Beautification Drive. What began as an initiative to clear overgrown weeds and scattered waste evolved into a powerful demonstration of community pride and collective responsibility.

The Fort Awakens

Over fifty dedicated sanitation workers from the Municipal Council Poonch joined hands with enthusiastic local volunteers. Armed with gloves, brooms and shovels, they focused on:

• Clearing debris along the boundary walls
• Pruning overgrowth and removing litter
• Reviving the adjoining gardens with new flowering plants

In just one weekend, the fort’s surroundings were transformed from neglected to dignified, restoring the site’s historic grandeur.

A Living Legacy

By day’s end, the renewed garden paths invited families to stroll where weeds once choked the soil. Tourists paused to admire the vibrant flower beds and residents felt an invigorated sense of ownership. The site now reflects not only its regal history but also the community’s enduring commitment to its preservation.

Lasting Impact

Civic pride: A stronger bond has been forged between Poonch Fort and its people.

Heritage restoration: The fort’s perimeter and gardens shine with renewed elegance.

Community engagement: Citizens from every generation contributed their time and energy.

Environmental uplift: New greenery enhances the site’s natural beauty.

In the quiet town of Ajar, Bandipora, nestled among Kashmir’s tranquil landscapes, lives a young woman who has found beauty in what the world often discards. In a region known for its natural splendor and resilient spirit, Seerat Tariq is adding a new kind of narrative one built on creativity, conscience and a deep love for the Earth.

A B.Sc graduate with a mind for science and a soul for sustainability, Seerat didn’t wait for a grand stage or big resources to make an impact. She began with what was around her bits of plastic, scrap cardboard, broken items that would have otherwise ended up in landfills. With patience, skill and imagination, she gave them a second life transforming them into a stunning ‘Waste to Wonder’ art piece that now stands as a testament to what’s possible when waste is seen not as a problem, but as a possibility.

“People often overlook the potential of the things they throw away,” Seerat shares. “But I’ve learned that with a little effort and a fresh perspective, even waste can speak volumes.”

Her creation isn’t just visually appealing it tells a story, one that resonates with a global message: sustainability starts at home. Every bottle cap reused, every paper scrap repurposed, is a step closer to a cleaner, more conscious world. In a time when environmental degradation feels overwhelming, efforts like Seerat’s remind us that small, consistent actions matter.

But Seerat’s story is not just about waste and art. It’s about responsibility. As a young citizen of a world facing a climate crisis, she firmly believes that her generation has a role to play not just in dreaming about a better future, but in actively building it.

“We are the future, yes—but we are also the present,” she says. “If we don’t act now, there might not be much left to protect tomorrow.”

Her initiative has not gone unnoticed. The Urban Local Body (ULB) of Bandipora has expressed pride in her innovative spirit and eco-conscious mindset. And slowly, her work is inspiring others around her friends, neighbours and fellow youth to look at their surroundings differently. To not just throw things away, but to ask how they might be reused, reimagined, and restored.

Seerat’s journey is a glowing example of what can happen when passion meets purpose, and creativity meets care. It is a reminder that you don’t need to wait for perfect conditions to create change—you just need the will to start.

 Let’s take a leaf out of Seerat’s book:

• Look at waste with new eyes.
• Take small steps at home—segregate, recycle, upcycle.
• Share your efforts with others and start a ripple.
• Remember: We are not just inheritors of the Earth, we are its stewards.

Seerat’s hands turned waste into wonder but it’s her heart that turned a simple act into a powerful movement. And if she can do it, so can we.

A Community-led Cleanliness Drive That Rekindled Civic Pride in Sumbal

Sumbal | May 17:
On the quiet banks of the River Jhelum, something powerful stirred not just the flow of water, but the collective spirit of a town determined to take charge of its identity.

Under the vibrant banner of “Mera Shehar, Mera Pehchaan”, the Municipal Committee Sumbal orchestrated a large-scale cleanliness drive that turned an ordinary Sunday into a celebration of civic responsibility. The campaign wasn’t just about cleaning streets it was about reviving a shared sense of belonging.

Leading the charge was Mr. Nazir Ahmad Reshi, Swachhata Ambassador and President of the Traders Federation Sumbal, whose commitment to the cause set the tone for the day. He was joined by former Councillor Jahangir Ahmad Dar, youth advocate Junaid Ahmad Bhat and a dynamic group of nearly 100 volunteers including local traders, shopkeepers, NGO workers, students and residents.

Together, they rolled up their sleeves and worked tirelessly to clear litter, sweep public spaces and restore cleanliness along the revered banks of the Jhelum. With each sack of waste lifted, a deeper message was planted: This city is ours and its care is our shared duty.

“This isn’t just about cleaning; it’s about showing respect for our land, our people and the legacy we leave behind,” said Mr. Reshi during the drive.

The initiative also doubled as a platform for awareness. Volunteers engaged with residents and shopkeepers, discussing topics such as waste segregation, sustainable habits, and the importance of maintaining hygienic surroundings beyond government efforts.

What made this campaign stand out was its warmth. There were no formalities, no fanfare just genuine people, united by a common purpose, doing what needed to be done.

By the end of the day, the banks of the Jhelum shimmered with cleanliness and so did the hearts of those who contributed. The air in Sumbal felt lighter, not just because of the absence of litter, but because of the presence of unity.

This success story is a testament to what becomes possible when citizens stop waiting and start acting. Through this initiative, Sumbal has not only cleaned its spaces but has also polished the mirror of its civic identity.

Because when a city comes together, it doesn’t just look better—it becomes better.

A Stunning Transformation During Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2024Every year, thousands of devotees embark on the sacred journey of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, weaving through the breathtaking landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir. While the yatra fills the air with devotion and spirituality, it also leaves behind a pressing challenge—waste. Plastic bottles, discarded wrappers, torn seat covers, and metal scraps pile up along the route, threatening the pristine beauty of the region. But this year, something extraordinary happened. Waste wasn’t just collected; it was transformed into a message of hope and sustainability.The Mission: Turning Waste into ArtUnder the Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0, the Government of India has placed a strong emphasis on the REUSE objective, which encourages the transformation of waste into valuable resources. The Housing and Urban Development Department (HUDD) of Jammu and Kashmir took up this challenge, ensuring that waste generated during the Amarnath Yatra didn’t end up in landfills but instead served a greater purpose.The yatra passed through 20 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), beginning from Lakhanpur and covering regions such as Qazigund, Sumbal, and Ganderbal, among others. To manage the massive amount of waste, plastic collection bins were installed across these ULBs, and volunteers worked tirelessly to monitor the waste segregation process. The responsibility of handling this waste was given to SWAAHA Waste Management, an organization known for its expertise in sustainable waste solutions.A Visionary Artist Steps InEnter Abdul Rehman Ali, a young and talented 3R artist from Indore, Madhya Pradesh. With a deep passion for sustainability, Abdul has dedicated his life to turning discarded materials into awe-inspiring artworks. When he heard about the waste collected from the Amarnath Yatra, he saw an opportunity—not just to create art, but to tell a powerful story.With a pile of waste at his disposal, Abdul set out on a mission. Over the course of three days, he single-handedly crafted a magnificent sculpture of a fish. This wasn’t just any fish—it was a message to the world. The structure stood at an impressive 9 feet tall, 5 feet wide, and 13 feet long, weighing approximately 85 kilograms. The materials he used were as diverse as the waste itself: plastic bottles, cable wires, torn seat covers, wheel rims, oil cans, and even leftover plates.The Hidden Message Behind the SculptureWhy a fish? Because Jammu and Kashmir are home to countless lakes and rivers, rich with aquatic life. But these water bodies are under constant threat from plastic pollution. Abdul’s creation symbolized a grim reality—if we don’t stop polluting, our rivers will soon be filled with plastic instead of fish.Beyond just being a work of art, this sculpture carried an even deeper environmental impact. By repurposing 85 kilograms of plastic waste, Abdul prevented it from polluting landfills and water bodies. Considering that every kilogram of plastic waste contributes to nearly 6 kilograms of CO₂ emissions, this initiative effectively reduced around 510 kilograms of carbon emissions—a small but significant step toward a cleaner planet.A Call to ActionReflecting on his work, Abdul Rehman Ali shared a heartfelt message:“Every plastic bottle we throw away finds its way into our rivers, our land, and ultimately, our lives. The fish in our lakes are now consuming plastic, and in return, we are consuming that same plastic in our food. This cycle of pollution needs to end. We need to stop using single-use plastic, find alternatives, and take responsibility for our actions. If we do not act now, the beautiful landscapes we cherish today will be unrecognizable tomorrow.”A Legacy of ChangeThis initiative by HUDD J&K, SWAAHA Resource Management, and Abdul Rehman Ali is a shining example of what can be achieved when communities, authorities, and individuals come together for a cause. What was once waste is now a powerful symbol of change.The fish sculpture, along with another large installation of a tap made from metal and plastic waste, serves as a reminder that sustainability is not just a choice—it is a necessity.As the sacred yatra continues, so does the responsibility of every pilgrim and citizen. The story of this waste-to-art transformation is proof that even the smallest actions—whether segregating waste, avoiding plastic, or creating art from discarded materials—can contribute to a larger movement of environmental conservation.Because in the end, waste is only waste if we choose to waste it.

On a radiant International Water Day morning, the shimmering waters of Pokhar Bal Lake in the Srinagar district bore witness to a remarkable transformation. The gentle ripples on the lake mirrored the unwavering spirit of a group of water sports athletes led by the legendary Bilquis Mir—a name that resonates far beyond the shores of Jammu and Kashmir.

From the break of dawn, Bilquis Mir and her dedicated team gathered at the lake, united by a pledge to protect and preserve their most precious resource. Water, for them, was not merely the medium for their kayaking, rowing, and canoeing; it was a cherished companion, essential to both their sport and the environment. They believed that every drop of clean water was a testament to nature’s beauty and a promise of a healthier future.

The initiative—a comprehensive Swachhata drive—was set in motion after municipal corporations in Jammu and Kashmir reached out to Bilquis Mir through Swaaha Resource Management Private Limited. This pivotal collaboration provided the crucial support and resources needed to kickstart the cleanliness project at Pokhar Bal Lake, inspiring communities to reimagine their relationship with water.

Under Bilquis Mir’s gentle yet resolute guidance, the team rolled up their sleeves and set to work. They cleared litter, discarded plastic waste, and revived the natural hues of the water. Every stroke of their brushes and every piece of debris removed was a step toward healing a once-neglected water body. The energy and commitment of the team not only rejuvenated the lake but also sparked a larger movement, drawing in local residents and municipal authorities alike.

With each passing hour, the transformed lake began to reflect a new vision—one where the passion for water sports and the commitment to environmental stewardship were in perfect harmony. Mir’s words echoed around the lake: “We are not just athletes; we are guardians of our environment. Clean water is the lifeblood of our sport and the foundation of our future.”

The success of the initiative at Pokhar Bal Lake stands as a testament to what can be achieved when purpose meets passion. Thanks to the strategic partnership with Swaaha Resource Management Private Limited and the unwavering resolve of Bilquis Mir and her team, a new chapter in environmental conservation has been written in Jammu and Kashmir—a chapter defined by hope, unity, and the promise of a cleaner, brighter future.

Every paddle stroke in the clear water now tells a story of commitment, inspiring communities to join in the mission of safeguarding nature, one water body at a time.