Every year on 5th June, the world observes World Environment Day with a sense of commitment, awareness and responsibility towards nature and environmental protection. The day is celebrated globally through seminars, workshops, awareness campaigns, painting competitions, debates, plantation drives, cleanliness programmes, rallies and environmental pledges. Educational institutions, government departments, social organizations and civil society groups actively participate in these programmes to spread awareness regarding sustainable living and ecological conservation.Like previous years, this year too we shall once again celebrate World Environment Day with similar enthusiasm and participation. However, while preparing for these annual observances, a serious question naturally arises in our minds: What have we truly achieved over all these years? Have we been successful in accomplishing the environmental goals and commitments that we repeatedly set every year?

Unfortunately, the answer appears both encouraging and disappointing at the same time. While awareness has certainly increased and some progress has been made, the larger and more meaningful environmental goals still remain far from our reach.Over the years, environmental awareness among people has undoubtedly improved. Concepts such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, waste management, afforestation, renewable energy and sustainable development are now commonly discussed in schools, colleges, universities, offices and public forums. Young students actively participate in eco-clubs, awareness campaigns and plantation drives. Many people have started reducing plastic usage, conserving water, planting trees and adopting cleaner practices in their daily lives.

In India, several important environmental initiatives have also been launched in recent years. Programmes such as the Swachh Bharat Mission, plastic ban campaigns, and large-scale afforestation drives have generated public awareness and involvement. Similarly, in Jammu and Kashmir, educational institutions and local organizations frequently organize plantation drives, cleanliness campaigns and environmental awareness programmes.However, despite these encouraging efforts, environmental degradation continues at an alarming pace across the world, including in Kashmir — a region once celebrated for its pristine........

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