Lucknow: Environmental conservation, biodiversity protection and sustainable development took center stage at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU) as the institution observed World Environment Day with a series of awareness programmes and a large-scale plantation drive. The event was jointly organized by the Department of Environmental Science and NBRI-EIACP under the theme, “Inspired by Nature: For Climate, For Our Future.”
Presiding over the programme, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal emphasized that nature is the foundation of human life and its protection is a collective responsibility. He expressed concern over increasing environmental challenges arising from unregulated development and excessive exploitation of natural resources, warning that many wildlife species are already facing the threat of extinction. He urged young people to adopt environmentally responsible lifestyles and highlighted the role of education, research and innovation in advancing sustainable development and green entrepreneurship.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Asad Rahmani, former Director of the Bombay Natural History Society, raised concerns over the alarming decline in bird populations. He noted that nearly 48 percent of the world’s approximately 11,000 bird species are witnessing population declines due to factors such as climate change, habitat destruction, urbanization, excessive artificial lighting and glass-fronted buildings. He called for scientific conservation strategies and greater public participation to protect birds and their habitats.
Head of the Department of Environmental Science and programme coordinator Prof. Venkatesh Dutta highlighted the importance of river conservation and restoration. He described rivers as lifelines of ecosystems and stressed the need for watershed protection, rainwater harvesting, waste management and community involvement to revive degraded river systems. He also outlined the university’s initiatives aimed at promoting biodiversity conservation, plantation activities and sustainable development goals.
Addressing another pressing environmental challenge, Dr. Pankaj Kumar Srivastava of CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute spoke about the growing threat of plastic pollution and microplastics. He warned that microscopic plastic particles are increasingly entering water, soil, air and food chains, posing serious long-term health and ecological risks. He advocated improved waste management, recycling and the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives.
The event also featured quizzes, interactive group activities and puzzle competitions focused on environmental awareness. Participants took a pledge under the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative to adopt sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. A guidebook titled “Smaller River Restoration Guidebook,” developed under the guidance of Prof. Venkatesh Dutta, was also released during the programme.
As part of World Environment Day celebrations, the university’s Horticulture and Beautification Section conducted a special plantation drive at the Children’s Park. Under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (One Tree in Mother’s Name) campaign, nearly 300 saplings of various species were planted to promote environmental stewardship and community participation.
The plantation initiative was carried out under the guidance of Prof. G. C. Yadav, horticulture advisor Amod Kumar Singh, and horticulture inspector Dr. Sameer Dixit. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from faculty members, researchers, students, officers and staff, reinforcing the university’s commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action.
