Srinagar, Nov 14 (KNS): State President of the Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK), Dr Baba Nazrul Islam, on Saturday stressed the need for greater involvement of educational institutions and students in environmental protection, saying effective solid waste management must begin at the household level, with waste segregation becoming a regular practice in every kitchen.

Speaking at an environmental discussion programme in Kashmir, Dr Islam said schools had an important role in addressing environmental challenges by encouraging students to adopt sustainable practices and develop a sense of responsibility towards their surroundings.

"Waste segregation should start from each kitchen, and every student has to play a role in this," he said, emphasising that environmental protection required collective efforts from families, schools and society.

Dr Islam said discussions with environmental experts had provided valuable insights into the challenges facing the region, particularly the management of solid waste and the role educational institutions could play in addressing the problem.

"It was a great learning experience for all the invitees. We had a group of experts from whom we learned a lot and understood the environmental challenges we are facing," he said.

He observed that educational institutions could become important centres for promoting environmental awareness by encouraging students to practise waste segregation and responsible disposal both at school and at home.

Dr Islam said students could also influence the behaviour of their families and communities by adopting environmentally responsible habits in their daily lives.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Referring to the discussions during the programme, he said interactions with experts had helped participants better understand the connection between different environmental concerns and the need for coordinated action.

"We learned from these experts how we can connect the dots and get a clear picture of environmental issues," he said.

The PSAJK President also appreciated the efforts of the organisers for bringing together experts and stakeholders to discuss environmental challenges and possible solutions.

He said the association's environmental wing was playing an important role in encouraging schools to take environmental issues seriously.

Dr Islam acknowledged the contribution of the chairman of the association's environmental wing, saying his leadership had helped the organisation learn more about environmental concerns and possible responses.

"We are seeing and learning a lot from his leadership. It was a great learning experience today," he said.

He stressed that environmental awareness should not remain limited to meetings and discussions but must be reflected in everyday practices, particularly in schools and households.

Dr Islam maintained that greater cooperation among educational institutions, students, parents and environmental experts was essential to improving waste management practices and strengthening environmental responsibility across Jammu and Kashmir. (KNS)