PDA marks World Environment Day 2025 with Plastic Awareness and Cleanliness Drive
Patnitop, June 5 | The Patnitop Development Authority, Department of Tourism, J&K, in collaboration with the Department of Wildlife Protection, J&K, and Government Higher Secondary School, Garhi, Udhampur, observed World Environment Day 2025 with a series of activities, aligning with this year’s global theme — ‘Beat Plastic Pollution.’
The day commenced with a cleanliness drive in and around Patnitop, engaging local stakeholders, students, NCC cadets, tourists, staff and officials from the organizing institutions. Following this, an awareness walk along the circular road of Patnitop was held, featuring slogans and messages to encourage tourists and locals alike for adopting environmentally responsible behaviour. To reinforce behavioural change in the participants, cloth bags were also distributed along with informational pamphlets.
During an interactive session, Surinder Tripathi, Divisional Pollution Officer, and Vijay Kumar, Wildlife Warden, Jammu, sensitized the participants about the widespread permeation of plastics in daily life. They spoke about its far-reaching impacts on the ecosystems, economies, and health of variety of species. They highlighted proper disposal methods for different types of plastics, and the importance of adopting sustainable practices, with special emphasis on educational institutions and tourist places.
Speaking on the occasion, Devender Singh Bhau, CEO PDA, said, “Plastics have entered everywhere — even where they must not belong. They threaten the sensitive ecology and economy of the renowned Patnitop Tourism Circuit. Through our ongoing initiatives, namely, ‘Clean Patnitop Green Patnitop’, ‘Carry The Trash Back’, and ‘Clean Mountains Save Future’, we are working to preserve the ecological sanctity of this circuit. Today, we have renewed that commitment and mobilized a few more individuals in this journey. Beating plastic pollution will take consistent effort from everyone, but the rewards — for nature, economy, and people — will be both beautiful and plentiful.”
Renu Kotwal, Principal, Government Higher Secondary School, Garhi, Udhampur, stressed the importance of involving youth in the cause. She noted that when students directly engage with the realities of plastic pollution, it makes them more conscious of their responsibility towards nature.
The event concluded with a pledge by all participants to be mindful of their plastic usage and disposal in their daily lives. It witnessed presence and participation of officials and staff from the Patnitop Development Authority, Department of Tourism, J&K, Department of Wildlife Protection, J&K Pollution Control Committee, along with the Government Higher Secondary School, Garhi, Udhampur.
