The Deputy Commissioner of Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, chaired a preliminary meeting with Eco Club incharges of high and higher secondary schools across the district, joined by students from NMBHSS and GHSS Bandipora, to discuss the urgent need for effective waste management and environmental conservation. The session set out objectives for revitalising school-level engagement and establishing clearer lines of coordination between educational institutions and district administrative units. Attendees reviewed existing activities and identified gaps in implementation and outreach. Ms Chib highlighted the important role of educational institutions in promoting sustained environmental awareness and called for the revitalisation of Eco Clubs across the district. She emphasised regular monitoring of club activities and urged the incharges to identify and mentor committed students and teachers who can lead environment protection initiatives within their schools. The official also stressed the importance of teacher training, simple record keeping and community involvement to ensure continuity of efforts beyond short-term campaigns. The meeting examined the implementation of Solid Waste Management Rules and deliberated on practical measures that Eco Clubs can advance, including segregation of waste at source, reduction of single-use materials and adoption of sustainable waste management practices at school level. To strengthen practical learning and encourage wider awareness, participants were advised to organise exposure visits to key district initiatives, such as the Knowledge Centre, the Jal Shakti Kendra, the NRLM women self-help group-run cafeteria and Project Insaniyat, to observe community-driven solutions. The Deputy Commissioner urged Eco Club incharges and students to lead by example by adopting zero-waste practices beginning at home and within school campuses, noting that lasting environmental change relies on individual responsibility and collective action. It was conveyed that a larger meeting of School Ecology Clubs from across the district will be convened soon to formalise plans, set targets and coordinate follow-up activities, with the administration offering support for implementation and periodic review.