Srinagar, June 7 (KNS): Environmental activists, cricketers and local residents pledged to protect the Shaliganga, Doodhganga and Sukhnag rivers during a World Environment Day programme organised alongside the final of the Porwara Super League cricket tournament in Budgam district.
The event was organised by the J&K Climate Action Group in association with local cricket enthusiasts at Chinar Cricket Ground in Porwara, Chadoora. Senior citizens and Army personnel from the Kanir camp also participated in the programme.
Addressing the gathering, J&K Climate Action Group chairman Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat urged people to stop the use of plastic bouquets during public functions and instead promote gifting of plants and saplings.
"I urge everyone in both government and non-government sectors to immediately stop using plastic bouquets for special guests. Let us instead promote the gifting of small trees and live plants as a lasting contribution towards environmental protection," Bhat said.
The participants also took a pledge to work towards the conservation of the Shaliganga, Doodhganga and Sukhnag rivers and to support environmental protection initiatives in the region.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Company Commander of 53 Rashtriya Rifles, Major Ravi, who attended the programme as the guest of honour, stressed the importance of a clean environment and called for large-scale plantation drives. He appreciated the organisers for holding the World Environment Day event alongside the tournament final and assured the Army's support for similar initiatives.
The final match of the tournament was played between Masood Sports Wathoora and Malik Sports Dreygam.
Batting first, Masood Sports Wathoora set a target of 225 runs. Malik Sports Dreygam fell short by 34 runs, handing Masood Sports the title.
A total of 32 teams participated in the tournament.
Bilal Bashir was declared Player of the Match for scoring 73 runs, while Zahid Tariq of Wagar Budgam received the Player of the Tournament award. Lateef Tiger of Masood Sports Wathoora played a key role in the victory by taking two crucial wickets.(KNS).