Government GLDM Degree College, Hiranagar, under the aegis of its Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), organized a one-day National Seminar on Solid Waste Management, sponsored by the National Academy of Science India (NASI), Jammu Chapter.
The hosting Seminar was aimed to sensitize participants about the health impacts of solid waste, promote resource conservation, and motivate proper handling and disposal of waste.
DC Kathua Dr. Rakesh Minhas was the Chief Guest; Secretary NASI, Jammu Chapter Prof. R.N. Gohil was the Guest of Honor besides former Head, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu Prof. Anil Kumar Raina and Rector Bhaderwah Campus, as the Keynote Speaker.
The event commenced with the traditional lamp lighting ceremony accompanied by Saraswati Vandana, followed by a welcome address by the College Principal, Dr. Pragya Khanna who emphasized the importance of addressing solid waste management as a pressing environmental issue.
A presentation by Head of the Department, Computer Sciences Prof. Roopali Jamwal, showcased the various curricular and co-curricular activities undertaken by the college.
The Newsletter ‘Quality Reporter’ of the college was also released during the event by the Chief Guest and dignitaries.
The DC lauded the college for organizing a seminar on such a critical issue. Drawing from his administrative experiences, he shared insights on waste segregation and proper disposal, inspiring the audience to adopt environmentally responsible practices.
Prof. R.N. Gohil emphasized the “3Rs” of waste management—Refuse, Reuse, and Recycle—and encouraged students to think creatively about alternative uses for solid waste to transform it into a resource.
Keynote Speaker Prof. Anil Kumar Raina delivered an insightful address on “Zero Waste Management,” highlighting the negative impact of the “use-and-throw” culture and the alarming issue of food wastage. He suggested practical approaches for effective solid waste management and encouraged sustainable practices.
The seminar’s technical sessions included presentations by eminent speakers including Prof. Deepak Pathania (Department of EVS, Central University of Jammu) discussed “Transforming Waste to Wealth for Achieving Circular Economy,” elaborating on waste-to-resource methods such as biogas production, mushroom cultivation, and ethanol production from agricultural waste.
Dr. Anuradha Gupta (Nodal Officer, Solid Waste Management, J&K Pollution Control Board) motivated students to start waste segregation and composting at home while inspiring their families to do the same.
Dr. Parik Kumar (Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering, IIT Jammu) provided insights on effective waste management practices and the importance of segregation at the source.
The session concluded with a poignant and relevant poem on solid waste management recited by Dr. Geeta Lakhotra from GDC Bishnah.
The event also included poster and model presentation competitions, with participation from 42 schools and colleges. In Model Presentation, 1st Prize was bagged by Infant Jesus Higher Secondary School, 2nd Prize by Government High School, Gurha Mundian and 3rd Prize was clinched by Government High School, Khanpur
In Poster Presentation, GDC Bishnah was judged 1st, GCW Gandhi Nagar as 2nd and GDC Samba as 3rd.
The competitions were adjudicated by a jury of esteemed academicians, including Dr. Nazia Rasool Latifi, Dr. Sudesh Kumar, Dr. Suraya Pratap Singh, Dr. Shalini Sharma, Dr. Asha Singh, and Prof. Arvind Kumar.
The seminar was coordinated by Dr. Rajesh Kumar Sharma, IQAC Convener; Prof. Amit Kumar Sharma, Organizing Secretary; and Prof. Neeru Sharma, Co-organizing Secretary, with dedicated efforts from the college staff. Event proceedings were managed by Prof. Shapia Shameem, Dr. Rajni Bala, Prof. Shivani Slathia, and Dr. Inaam-Ul-Haq, along with NSS and Eco-Club students, including Dakshita, Shubam, Lalit, Mohit, Saloni and others.
The seminar concluded with a formal vote of thanks presented by Dr. Rajesh Kumar Sharma, Convener, IQAC.
