The Department of Zoology at the University of Jammu proudly celebrated World Environment Day on the 5^th of June, 2023. This day marks a significant opportunity for the department to reinforce its commitment to environmental conservation and raise awareness among students and the local community. The event encompassed a range of activities, including a conservation pledge, a plantation drive, the installation of birdhouses in the zoological park, the University of Jammu, and an enlightening expert talk by esteemed Indian Forest Service officer, O.P. Vidyarthi, Former, D.F.O. Research, D.C.F. Communication & Extension J&K Social Forestry Department, D.C.F. State Vigilance Organization, Regional Director Pollution Control Board, Joint Director J&K State Forest Research Institute, Conservator of Forests Working Plan O/o. Prl. CCF, Conservator of Forests Vigilance O/o. Prl. CCF, Chief Conservator of Forests (Ecotourism) in J&K Wildlife Protection Department.

As part of the World Environment Day festivities, the Department of Zoology organised a plantation drive within the university campus in the Zoological Park of the Department. Under the guidance of Prof. Seema langer, HOD, Zoology and faculty members, the enthusiastic students of both M.Sc 2^nd and 4^th semester, brought a variety of native plants and host plants of butterfly and honeybee that are other parallel ventures undergoing in the Zoological park of the department. These were planted in the zoological park to enrich the biodiversity. In addition to the plantation drive, the department also carried out the hosting of birdhouses in the zoological park. These birdhouses have been meticulously designed and strategically placed within the park to provide a safe habitat for avian species. The students, research scholars, faculty and non-teaching staff of the department actively participated in the programme.

To further enrich the World Environment Day celebrations, the Department of Zoology invited the esteemed Indian Forest Service officer, O.P. Vidyarthi, to deliver an expert talk. With his extensive experience in wildlife conservation, Officer Vidyarthi shed light on the pressing environmental issues and the crucial role of each individual in safeguarding our planet. His talk offered valuable insights and inspired the students to take action for a sustainable future.