The Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu, and the Green Campus Task Force (GCTF-JU), in collaboration with the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), organized a two-day flagship initiative titled “Save Tawi Campaign” along the banks of River Tawi during the concluding days of the Navratri festival on March 26 and 27, 2026.
The campaign witnessed active participation from students, scholars, and faculty members, who pledged to contribute towards preserving the ecological integrity of River Tawi.
The drive aimed to create public awareness about the importance of maintaining the cleanliness of the river, while also highlighting the causes and environmental impacts of immersing plastic and other non-biodegradable materials during the ritual of ‘Saakh Visarjan’.
Prof. Deepika Slathia, Head of the Department of Environmental Sciences and Convener of GCTF-JU, called upon people to act responsibly towards water bodies, especially during festivals, while preserving the spiritual essence of traditions. She stressed that cleanliness is not only a civic responsibility but also a way of life, closely linked with our cultural and moral ethos. She emphasized that only through collective effort and mindful choices can we ensure the protection of our water bodies for future generations.
Dr. Vinod Sharma, Health Officer, JMC, interacted with the volunteers and appreciated their dedicated efforts in maintaining the cleanliness of the river. Dr. Anshu Gupta, along with the volunteers, interacted with the devotees and sought their feedback on ways to further improve the campaign. Short feedback responses were also recorded to gather their views on the initiative and suggestions for its enhancement.
Dr. Suresh Kumar expressed gratitude to JMC for extending the necessary support and facilities for the event. He also commended the JMC staff for their prompt and efficient collection and disposal of segregated waste.
The devotees lauded the department’s initiative and assured their wholehearted cooperation for the success of the campaign. The programme concluded with an intensive cleanliness drive along the riverbanks.
The event also witnessed active participation from other faculty members of the department, including Prof. Piyush Malaviya, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, and Dr. Neeraj Sharma, along with volunteers and research scholars from both the department and GCTF-JU.