IUST launches plantation week with campus-wide green drive

Srinagar, Mar 23: The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) inaugurated its Plantation Week with a plantation drive held across the main campus and the Girls’ Hostel premises.

The drive was formally inaugurated by Prof. Abdul Wahid Makhdoomi, Registrar, IUST, in the presence of university officials including the Finance Officer, Dean Research, Provost Girls’ Hostel, Dean Outreach, NSS Coordinator, Estates division along with students and scholars who actively participated in the initiative. Speaking on the occasion, Prof Makhdoomi emphasized the importance of environmental conservation and the role of educational institutions in promoting sustainable practices and ecological awareness among youth.

The week-long programme will witness plantation drives across multiple locations including the main campus, Skill Development Campus, Alamdar Memorial College of Nursing and Medical Technology, and the Charar-i-Sharief campus.

The initiative is being coordinated by Dr. Aijaz A Qureshi, Assistant Registrar (Landscaping), in collaboration with the J&K Forest Department, Forest Research Institute J&K, Dean Outreach Office, National Service Scheme (NSS), Alpine Club, and the Divisional Forest Offices of Awantipora and Budgam. The drive will actively involve students, scholars, and staff members, reflecting the university’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

Earlier, the University organized a plantation drive last week on the theme “Donate, Plant or Own a Tree” in collaboration with the Department of Sericulture, Government of Jammu & Kashmir. During the drive, mulberry saplings were planted across the campus, contributing to biodiversity conservation.