JAMMU: Eco-club of Government Degree College Marh, under the aegis of Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change, celebrated World Environment Day today under the theme "Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience".

The event was guided by the College Principal Dr. Rakesh Kumar Koul.

Students of Semester 2nd (Raveena Kousar, Khushi Choudhary, Sonia Choudhary, Sweety Kaith) and 4th (Kashish and Navpreet) made handmade bird feeders, water pots on the occasion.

They utilized simple materials such as shells, bottles and jute twines to create eco-friendly bird feeders. After installing bird feeders around the campus, students spent the day watching various birds visit that will provide sustenance to birds during extreme weather. Poster making competition was also held where students made colorful posters under slogan "Our land Our future" showcasing the significance of afforestation and Land Restoration". The programme was coordinated by Anjana Chib (HOD EVS) and Dr. Shakun Sharma.

In his address, the college Principal educated the students that the theme calls attention to one of the most pressing issues of our time - land degradation driven by factors such as deforestation, unsustainable agriculture, urbanization, and climate change. "All these factors pose a grave threat to ecosystems and livelihoods worldwide.

It is a cause of concern and calls for concerted efforts to address the same," he added and encouraged the students to plant more and more trees during rainy seasons which will not only prevent desertification but also help in reducing the temperature.

While applauding the faculty, he apprised the students that their college has adopted various green practices such as plantations drives, proper segregation and recycling of waste through RUDA, making best out of waste.