“One of the first conditions of happiness is that the link between man and nature shall not be broken” – Leo Tolstoy
World Environment Day is observed on June 5 every year to spread awareness about the threat to the environment due to rising pollution levels and climate change. World Environment Day is the United Nations day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action to protect our environment. It is the largest global platform for environmental public outreach and is celebrated by millions of people across the world.
2021-2030 has been announced by UN as the decade on Ecosystem Restoration. The slogan “Reimagine, Recreate, Restore” given by UN, aims to prevent, halt and reverse the ecosystem degradation on every continent and in every ocean.
Due to Covid-19 pandemic, the climate has suffered ever more with the increased use of plastic and non-biodegradable things including PPE kits, masks, etc. Steps must be taken to move from crisis to healing along with the restoration of nature which is imperative for the survival of our planet and the human race. Only with healthy ecosystems can we enhance people’s livelihoods, counteract climate change and stop the collapse of biodiversity.
Eco-Cops- “the home of eco warriors”, the Environmental Club of Uttaranchal University, following the theme of UN, organized a virtual event entitled ‘Plant A Sapling With Us!’. There was overwhelming response from the students and the faculty members of Uttaranchal University.
The Guest of Honor for the event was Hon’ble Vice- Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Devender Pathak. In his speech he pointed out the danger to earth and everyone due to rapidly increasing pollution and stressed on the need of protecting our natural resources for a better tomorrow and awareness of waste management for a cleaner earth. He congratulated Eco-Cops for organizing such an event which makes every person responsible for the wellbeing of their surroundings.
President Prof. (Dr.) Ajay Singh, in his Welcome Speech, stressed on the need of plantation for the restoration of Earth. He pointed out how we can and should contribute to the cause through various small steps. He planted the first sapling of the event- a Cinnamon sapling and also an ornamental plant. Prof. (Dr.) Shriya Goyal, Dean – SLA, planted the Holy Basil, Dr. Amit Semwal, Associate Professor,UIPS, planted a lemon tree, signifying its importance during the pandemic. Mr. Abhishek Kumar Pathak (UIM) and Ms. Arti Rana (UIT) planted Marigold and Night Blooming Jasmine respectively.
Students also planted saplings virtually and participated enthusiastically in the event. They spoke about the importance of the sapling they were planting. Students namely, Ayushi Bhaduri, Clifford Chand, Nidji Dhiman, Devansh Mohan, Kavita Gairia and Pragyanshu planted, Mint, Tulsi. Belpatri, Marigold, Drycena and 11‘O’clock.
Vote of Thanks was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Bharti Ramola, Coordinator – Eco-Cops, who thanked Hon’ble Vice- Chancellor, Dr. Ajay Singh, President Eco- Cops, all faculty and student participants, all the Faculty and Student Coordinators of various colleges of Uttaranchal University and the Student Coordinators of the virtual event ‘Plant A Sapling With Us!’
The event was organized by Dr. Bharti Ramola along with student coordinators namely, Soubhagya Krishan Dev, Ashita Aswal and Aakash Tyagi. Ashita anchored the event and Soubhagya and Aakash looked after the technical aspect of the event
This event ‘Plant A Sapling With Us!’ was a small foot forward by Eco- Cops for the restoration of earth by making it clean and green.
