Jammu, May 27 (Reporter) Launching a series of ‘Green Initiatives’ aimed at promoting sustainability and environmental consciousness on the campus, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, Prof. Umesh Rai on Monday said that such initiatives not only reduce environmental footprint but also serve as educational tools, inspiring students and other stakeholders to adopt greener practices. Speaking at the launch of ‘Green Initiatives’ organised by the ‘Green Campus Task Force’ (GCTF) and the Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu Prof. Rai emphasized that their dedication and commitment are crucial for improving the educational environment for students and enhancing the university's sustainability efforts. He complemented the faculty for their continuous efforts in supporting green initiatives both on and off the campus and introduced several innovative projects, including the inauguration of e-vehicles, a stag sculpture made from waste materials, and vertical gardens constructed using waste plastic bottles. He also expressed gratitude to J&K Bank and JAKEDA for support in promoting these initiatives. Highlighting the importance of sustainability and the university's commitment to environmental stewardship, Prof. Rai said, “the launch of these initiatives marks a significant milestone in our journey to create a more sustainable and eco-friendly campus.” “These initiatives not only reduce our environmental footprint but also serve as educational tools, inspiring students and other stakeholders to adopt greener practices,” he said adding, “the e-vehicles, waste material sculptures, and vertical gardens are practical examples of how we can creatively manage waste and promote green energy.” The Vice Chancellor, also released the Green Task Report prepared by GCTF-JU, the “Beyond the Campus and Within Campus Green Initiative Report,” and a “Pictorial Guide to the Waterbirds of Gharana Wetland, Jammu.” Dr. P. K. Dhar, CEO of JKEDA, commended the University of Jammu for its commendable efforts and highlighted the broader impact of such initiatives. “The University of Jammu is setting a benchmark for institutions across the region. By adopting sustainability, it is promoting a culture of environmental responsibility that extends beyond the campus. These projects will undoubtedly contribute to the larger goal of sustainable development,” he said. Dr. Dhar emphasised the importance of green initiatives like waste-to-energy conversion, biodiversity conservation, and pollution control to improve ecosystem health. Sunit Kumar Gupta, General Manager of JK Bank, also praised the university’s initiatives. “The launch of these initiatives marks a significant milestone in promoting sustainability and addressing environmental challenges.” Prof. Piyush Malaviya, Head of the Environment Sciences Department, gave a formal welcome address while Dr. Deepika Slathia, Member Secretary GCTF-JU, presented a powerpoint presentation on the green initiatives taken by GCTF-JU since its establishment in 2016. Dr. Slathia also informed that the pictorial guide includes QR codes that allow users to listen to the sounds of the birds mentioned. On the occasion a 'Certificate of Appreciation' and Memento was presented to the Prof. Rahul Gupta, Registrar, University of Jammu by Dr. P.R. Dhar, CEO JAKEDA for taking lead in introducing various green initiatives on campus particularly the green energy in the form of solar power plant and other solar based initiatives. Vikas Khajuria, Waste Sculpture Artist was felicitated by the Vice-chancellor for creating a beautiful sculpture of Stag out of the waste material lying in the University. The event concluded with the inauguration of e-vehicles, unveiling of the stag sculpture made from waste materials, and vertical gardens made from waste plastic bottles...////...