From Rajouri to Kupwara, communities came together not just to run, but to make every step count for the environment.
World Environment Day 2025 witnessed something extraordinary across the length and breadth of Jammu & Kashmir. Streets turned into stages of action as citizens laced up their shoes and picked up waste bags for a cause that unites us all our planet.
A statewide series of Plog Runs a unique blend of jogging and litter collection transformed neighborhoods into hotspots of environmental awareness, physical well-being and civic responsibility.
From the bustling markets of Handwara to the green fields of Udhampur, hundreds joined hands students, municipal workers, sanitation teams and volunteers. This wasn’t just about running; it was about reclaiming our shared spaces with purpose and pride.
At the heart of the initiative were the Swachhta Executives deployed by Swaaha Resource Management, who worked tirelessly to ensure smooth planning, vibrant execution and long-lasting community awareness.
Local Efforts, United Impact
Each town brought its own unique energy to the campaign:
- In Udhampur, the Mini Stadium echoed with cheers as schoolchildren and municipal staff came together for a spirited community run.
- Rajouri’s event drew enthusiastic crowds and was graced by the presence of Hon’ble MLA Mr. Iftikhar Ahmed, with Swaaha teams expertly handling logistics, volunteer coordination and media coverage.
- In Kupwara and Handwara, the streets buzzed with energy. Students, sanitation workers, and forest officials marched together, raising slogans like “Plastic Out, Fabric In” as they wound through the heart of town.
Beyond Plogging: A Day of Green Action
World Environment Day was more than just plogging. Communities across the UT embraced a wide range of climate-positive actions:
- Green Pledge Ceremonies – Citizens came forward to take meaningful oaths to reduce plastic use and adopt sustainable habits.
- Plantation Drives – Fresh saplings were planted, adding life to public spaces and community parks.
- Awareness Rallies – Campaigns promoted the use of cloth bags and highlighted the importance of RRR (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) centers.
- In Langate, creativity met awareness with “Plastic Bhiksha” a door-to-door campaign where volunteers collected plastic waste while educating shopkeepers and households.
A Synchronized Effort Across the UT
What made this year’s campaign truly remarkable was the seamless coordination across towns. Swaaha’s teams went above and beyond mobilizing schools, distributing IEC (Information, Education & Communication) material, aligning timelines and supporting local governance in executing impactful events.
What could have been standalone activities evolved into a statewide environmental movement, built on collaboration, consistency and community ownership.
A Lasting Message
As the sun set on June 5, it left behind more than just cleaner roads and freshly planted trees. It left behind a renewed public spirit a commitment to collective action and sustainable change.
Through plogging, the people of Jammu & Kashmir told a story that resonates far beyond one day:
When community, climate and health come together, real transformation begins.
And perhaps the most powerful takeaway? A reminder that even small acts like picking up a piece of litter while jogging can spark change that ripples across an entire region.
