Hon'ble Minister for Forests & Environment Mr. Mian Altaf Ahmed has called for stepping up of coordinated efforts to save the environment to ensure ecological balance. Speaking at a function at S.P. College, organized by the State Pollution Control Board in collaboration with IYCN at the SP College in connection with the felicitation of winners of Great Power Race (an international competition on environment), the Minister said that need of

the hour is to make serious efforts to save the environment, which is degrading for the past some years. Maintaining that efforts are being made at different levels, the Minister emphasized a result oriented exercise with the greater participation of intellectuals, professionals, religious, non-governmental organizations. He said that educational institutions have a great responsibility and students are the real ambassadors to propagate general awareness about the environment conservation.

He said that impact of the degraded environment is not only on the human health, but also on other organisms on the global level. If remedial measures were not taken, any catastrophe is imminent in any part of the world, asserted Mr. Altaf. Congratulating the students of the S.P.College and Islamic University, Awantipura for winning the Great Power Race Award, out of the 1000 teams in India, China and US, the Minister said that it is a matter of pride for all of us that our students have brought laurel for the State. It indicates that there is no dearth of talent in our children, provided they are properly nurtured. He wished them success in future and making the State proud.

He also lauded the efforts of SPCB for organizing the event.  Vice Chancellor Islamic University, Awantipur, Prof. A.R.Trag, Chairman SPCB, Lal Chand, Regional Director SPCB Kashmir, Farooq Gillani, Principal S.P. College, Prof. Zahoor Ahmed Chatt were also present at the gathering.
A large number of students, faculty members were also present on the occasion.  The Minister also distributed mementoes to the awardees and other participants.