Utsaah, The Clubs Jammu University raises hope and awareness on World Earth Day themed 'Planet vs Plastics' through community radio 91.2 FM Dhwani JU

The commemoration of 'World Earth Day' on 22^nd April 2024, Science Club along with Nature and Wildlife Club hosted an awareness and interaction program broadcasted on 91.2 FM Dhwani JU.

Since its inception in 1970, World Earth Day has served as a global platform to advocate for environmental protection. This year's theme, 'Planet vs Plastics', resonates strongly with the urgent need to address plastic pollution. The program, aligned with this theme, focused on strategies to achieve a 60% reduction in global plastic production by 2040.

Encouraged by the Chairperson, Utsaah, Prof. Satnam Kour and Convener, 91.2 FM Dhwani, Prof. Monika Chadha with consultation of Coordinator, Nature and Wildlife, Prof. Parmil Kumar the Science Club organised interactive talk show where students from various departments of JU actively participated, offering diverse perspectives and innovative ideas towards realizing a plastic-free world.  

Dr Chinmoyee Maharana, Coordinator of the Science Club, JU, moderated the program and emphasized the significance of collective action in tackling the crisis. Discussed how plastic pollution is affecting the various ecosystems.  "The problem of plastic can be solved through collective measures. We must cease the use of single-use plastic, a major contributor to environmental degradation. Protecting our planet Earth is imperative, as we have only One Earth to inhabit," Maharana remarked.

The program featured engaging interactions with students from different disciplines: Ms Zaheen Shokat, English Department, provided insights into the significance of World Earth Day. Mr Zahid Rehman, Urdu Department, discussed various sources of plastic wastes and also mentioned strategies for achieving a 60% reduction in plastic production. Ms Saloni Adhikari, Department of Economics (DDE), shed light on the issue of microplastics and how to reduce single-use plastic consumption. She explained how water bodies including Tawi river is affected by this plastic pollution and policy recommendations. Ms Mavish Sharma, MCA Department, shared perspectives on reducing plastic usage at the University level and proposed a dream project for plastic pollution realization by people by developing an experiential theme park.

The session concluded with a resounding message advocating for collective action in addressing the plastic pollution crisis and how to make this earth plastic free in future. Participants reiterated the crucial choice between safeguarding our planet or succumbing to the perils of plastic. The recording of the program was accomplished by Ms Shruti Arora at the studio of 91.2 FM Dhwani JU.