Celebration of International Day of Forests-2025
Activity-1:- A Talk on “Forest & Environment”
On the occasion of the International Day of Forests 2025, Sardar Patel Subharti Institute of Law, in association with Panna Dhai Maa Subharti Nursing College, organized a special talk on “Forest & Environment.” The session aimed to highlight the significance of forests in maintaining ecological balance and promoting sustainable development.
The event commenced with a warm welcome address by Ms. Afreen Almas, who greeted the esteemed dignitaries, faculty members, and students. She emphasized the importance of environmental conservation and the role of forests in sustaining biodiversity and mitigating climate change.
The anchoring of the event was skillfully handled by Ms. Zoya Rao (BALLB, IV Year), who ensured smooth transitions between segments and kept the audience engaged.
Speaker Address- Dr. Mukesh Ruhela
Dr. Mukesh Ruhela delivered an insightful address on the interconnection between forests and the environment. He elaborated on the alarming rate of deforestation and its impact on biodiversity and climate change. He shared key facts, such as:
∙ The United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) is a global initiative to revive damaged ecosystems.
∙ The economic value of forests, both direct and indirect, including their role in carbon sequestration, eco-tourism, and supporting local communities.
∙ The alarming increase in CO₂ levels by 50%, leading to drastic climatic changes. ∙ The 1mm rise in sea levels results in the loss of approximately 1.5 meters of coastal land, posing a severe threat to coastal regions.
∙ The necessity of sustainable forest management, such as agro forestry and eco-friendly agricultural practices.
∙The “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative, urging students to actively plant and nurture trees for environmental conservation.
As a token of appreciation, Dr. Reena Bishnoi (Professor, Subharti Institute of Law) felicitated Dr. Mukesh Ruhela with a planter, symbolizing growth and sustainability.
Speaker Address-Justice
Justice Rajesh Chandra shared his legal perspective on environmental conservation, emphasizing the critical role of the judiciary in protecting forests and natural resources. He stressed: ∙ “We are playing with nature, “under scoring the reckless exploitation of environmental resources.
∙ The importance of forests and water conservation, essential for human survival. ∙ The concept of sustainable development, ensuring resource availability for future generations.
∙ The Supreme Court’s proactive role in regulating deforestation and enforcing environmental laws.
∙ The notion that we have not inherited the Earth from our ancestors, but rather borrowed it from our children, reinforces the responsibility of conservation.
∙ The urgent need to strengthen en biodiversity laws and curb poaching to protect wildlife habitats.
Following his enlightening address, Mr. Prabhat (Associate Professor, Subharti College of Nursing) felicitated Justice Rajesh Chandra with a planter, symbolizing respect and appreciation for his contributions.
Vote of Thanks
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Dr. Reena Bishnoi (Professor, Subharti Institute of Law). She expressed gratitude to the distinguished speakers for their invaluable insights, the organizing team for their efforts, and the participants for their enthusiastic engagement.
Finally, the session ended on a patriotic note with the National Anthem, instilling a sense of unity and responsibility towards environmental conservation.
Activity-2:- EDUCATIONAL VISIT TO THE HASTINAPUR FOREST RANGE”
On the occasion of the International Day of Forests 2025, Sardar Patel Subharti Institute of Law, in association with Panna Dhai Maa Subharti Nursing College, organized an educational visit to the Hastinapur Forest Range to provide students with hands-on learning about forest ecosystems, biodiversity, and conservation efforts. The visit aimed to enhance their understanding of the flora and fauna in the region and the crucial role forests play in maintaining ecological balance. The visit was an interactive and engaging experience featuring three major activities.
- Interactive Session with Experts
The visit began with an interactive session led by Ms. Khushboo Upadhyay (Regional Forest Officer), Naib Tehsildar Sachin Chaudhary, and Mr. Hari Mohan Meena (Project Manager, Vishwa Prakriti, Nidhi. Bharat). They addressed students on the significance of forest conservation, emphasizing:
∙ Forests as the “lungs of the Earth”–maintaining clean air, water balance, and biodiversity. ∙ Deforestation and its impact on climate change – leading to temperature rise, CO₂ increase, and habitat destruction.
∙ Environmental laws and policies – the Forest Conservation Act, Wildlife Protection Act, and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
∙ The role of you is conservation–promoting afforestation and sustainable practices. The session was highly interactive, with students asking questions about legal aspects of forest conservation, penalties for deforestation, and wildlife protection measures.
- Showcasing of Forest Equipment & Technology
The Forest Department organized an exhibition showcasing various tools and technology used in forest conservation. The demonstration included:
∙ Fire fighting equipment used to control forest fires and protect wildlife.
∙ Tracking devices & surveillance tools for monitoring wildlife and preventing poaching. ∙ Tree plantation and soil conservation techniques to enhance forest growth and prevent soil erosion.
∙ Rescue and rehabilitation tools used for injured animals and conservation efforts. Students got a close look at how these technologies contribute to forest protection, making the session informative and engaging.
- Forest Trail & Turtle Conservation Center Visit
Students were taken on a guided forest trail walk, where they:
∙ Explored the rich biodiversity of the Hastinapur Forest Range.
∙ Identified native plant species and their ecological importance.
∙ Learned about the natural habitat of various wildlife species and conservation efforts.
∙ At the Turtle Conservation Center, students gained insights into:
∙ The threats faced by freshwater turtles, including habitat destruction and pollution.
∙ Conservation programs aimed at protecting endangered species.
∙ The role of forests in maintaining aquatic ecosystems.
The visit vasan eye-opening experience, allowing students to witness conservation efforts in action and understand the importance of protecting both terrestrial and aquatic life.
Student Participation
41 students actively engaged in discussions and learning activities from both departments. Notable participants from Faculty of Law included:
∙ AartiGoyal
∙ Prakriti
∙ Diya
∙ IshaTyagi
