Introduce environment as compulsory subject in schools: panel

A parliamentary panel has recommended introduction of environment as a compulsory subject in schools in Jammu to create awareness among students.
The department related parliamentary standing committee on science and technology and environment and forests also said that effective steps should be taken for disposal of waste during Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra and Amarnath Yatra and a mechanism should be put in place to ensure that the ecology of the area is not disturbed.
"Environment should be introduced as a compulsory subject in schools to create awareness," the committee chaired by former Union Minister Ashwani Kumar said in its report.

Recommending points that need to be taken to mitigate environmental pollution in Jammu, the report said afforestation process needs to be taken up in the city on "war footing" not only to bridge the gap between the plantation and trees that are being cut but also to increase forest areas.
"Nurseries should be set up on large scale to meet the requirements of saplings while action against encroachment of forest land should be intensified and there should be strict enforcement of laws in this regard," the report said.
It also said that action against encroachment of forest land should be intensified while the agencies concerned should mobilise the resources for cleaning Tawi river and immediate action should be taken for removal of waste from river bed.

"Solid waste management plan should be incorporated in the master plan to cater to increasing requirement while the plan should also have provisions for green spaces and parks. Noise pollution should be tackled effectively.
"Effective steps should be taken for disposal of waste at Mata Vaishno Devi yatra and Amarnath yatra and an effective mechanism should be put in place to ensure that the ecology of the area was not disturbed," it said.
The report also suggested that a time frame should be devised for eviction of encroached forest land in Ramban forest division, which should be strictly adhered to.