The Housing and Urban Development Department (HUDD) of Jammu & Kashmir in collaboration with Swaaha successfully concluded the Swachhta Pakhwada 2024 with a grand event named “SANKALP.” The event, held at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) was marked by the inauguration of the SHG Exhibition and the Waste to Art Pavilion.
The event was inaugurated by Mandeep Kaur, Commissioner Secretary HUDD, who said the administration is committed to fostering a sustainable future for the region. In her address, she highlighted the importance of community participation in environmental initiatives, stating, “SANKALP is not just an event but a movement towards creating a sustainable Jammu & Kashmir. The involvement of Self-Help Groups and the creative re-use of waste materials reflect our collective commitment to a cleaner, greener future.”
A key highlight of SANKALP was the panel discussion on the “Srinagar Declaration”, which brought together distinguished panellists from various fields to discuss their perspectives on creating a sustainable Jammu & Kashmir. The panel included tourism consultant Vicky Shaw; environmental law advocate Nadeem Qadri; Director of ULB Kashmir Mathoora Masoom; Swaaha’s Sameer Sharma, Javed Tenga from the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), and Prof Dr Naseer Iqbal, Registrar, University of Kashmir.
During the discussion, each panellist offered valuable insights and suggestions from their respective domains. Vicky Shaw emphasised the need for sustainable tourism practices to preserve the region’s natural beauty, while Nadeem Qadri highlighted the importance of environmental laws and policies in safeguarding the ecosystem.
Mathoora Masoom discussed the role of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in implementing sustainable practices at the grassroots level. Sameer Sharma from Swaaha underscored the significance of waste management and public awareness initiatives. Javed Tenga spoke on the contribution of the business community to sustainable development, Prof Dr Naseer Iqbal shared how academic institutions can play a pivotal role in training and education on sustainability.
The exhibition, a key feature of the event, displayed the remarkable contributions of Self-Help Groups and entrepreneurs from across the Union Territory.
SANKALP marks the culmination of the Swachhta Pakhwada 2024, a two-week-long cleanliness drive organised by HUDD in various parts of Jammu & Kashmir. During this period, numerous initiatives were undertaken, including sanitation drives, awareness campaigns, and waste management projects. The event spotlighted the successful distribution of 50,000 sustainable kits to pilgrims participating in the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
In addition, the Swachhta Pakhwada saw the installation of sanitary pad vending machines, pink toilets, and water ATMs at strategic locations across the Union Territory. Awareness programs were conducted in schools, and the Yatra Mitra volunteers played a crucial role in educating the public about waste segregation and environmental conservation.
The Commissioner Secretary, HUDD urged the public to carry forward the momentum generated by SANKALP, saying, “Our journey towards a sustainable future has only just begun. Let us all take this pledge, this Sankalp, to protect and preserve our beautiful Jammu & Kashmir for future generations.
