Srinagar, June 8: Government College for Women (GCW), M.A. Road, Srinagar, has been conferred the prestigious Gold Award for Green Campus and Sustainable Initiatives by the Climate Reality Project: India and South Asia in recognition of its exemplary contribution towards environmental sustainability and climate action.
The award acknowledges the college’s sustained efforts in promoting eco-friendly practices and implementing innovative environmental initiatives aimed at fostering climate resilience and responsible stewardship of natural resources. With this recognition, GCW M.A. Road has further strengthened its position as one of the leading educational institutions in the region committed to sustainable development.
The award was announced during the valedictory function of the week-long Environmental Week celebrations held from June 1 to June 6 under the theme “Inspired by Nature: For Climate, For Our Future.”
The institution earned the recognition for a wide range of year-round sustainability initiatives, including air quality monitoring, adoption of solar energy, waste segregation and composting, rainwater harvesting, biodiversity conservation, expansion of green spaces, plantation drives, heritage clean-up campaigns, and environmental awareness programmes. These initiatives have helped cultivate an environmentally conscious campus culture while encouraging students to actively participate in climate action and sustainable living practices.
The Environmental Week celebrations were organized by the Eco Club in collaboration with the NSS Units of the college under the patronage of Principal Prof. (Dr.) Yasmeen Farooq. The Eco Club, comprising faculty members from the Departments of Environmental Science, Botany and Water Management, coordinated the activities under the convenorship of Dr. Asiya Nazir, Head of the Department of Environmental Science.
Congratulating students, faculty and staff on the achievement, Principal Prof. (Dr.) Yasmeen Farooq described the award as a reflection of the institution’s collective commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development. She reaffirmed the college’s resolve to further strengthen green initiatives and contribute meaningfully towards climate action.
The week-long programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, faculty members, NSS volunteers and NCC cadets. Activities included environmental awareness campaigns, cleanliness drives, waste audits, biodiversity competitions, renewable energy presentations, plantation drives and various student-led sustainability initiatives.
The celebrations commenced on June 1 with an orientation programme focused on environmental awareness and sustainable practices. On June 2 and 3, students conducted cleanliness drives within the college campus and adjoining areas, including the Bund near Lal Chowk. Waste collected during the drives was segregated and documented as part of an environmental audit exercise.
On June 4, the Department of Botany organized a Biodiversity Quiz Competition to promote awareness about ecological diversity and conservation. World Environment Day on June 5 was marked by a plantation drive aimed at enhancing green cover and encouraging environmental responsibility.
The valedictory function held on June 6 at the Lalla Ded Auditorium featured student presentations, environmental-themed performances, poetry recitations and reflections on the institution’s sustainability journey.
The event was attended by distinguished guests Prof. Azra Nahid Kamili and Aadil Bhat, who highlighted the importance of youth-led climate action, biodiversity conservation and sustainable lifestyles in addressing contemporary environmental challenges.
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