Introduction

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Environment Protection Society (EPS) was established in 1991 and is one of the University level societies working for the cause of creating awareness among the students at the campus regarding the Environmental issues, threats and need for environment protection. Muhammad Ali was elected first President and Mian Muhammad Hamza Shahbaz Sharif was First Secretary of the society. Prof. Javed Nazir acted as the first Advisor of the Society.

Working

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EPS for the last 17 years has been organizing on yearly basis:

• Environmental Painting and Poster Competition.

• Environmental Drama Festival.

• Environmental Surveys.

• Seminars, Lectures and Debating Competitions.

• Trips, Walks and Campaigns for creating awareness about the environmental hazards.

• EPS is also publishing magazine EPS times on yearly basis. 

EPS Office Bearers 2008-09

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Coordinators

Minaa Sakhawat, Wardah Yousaf, Misbah Irfan, Ahtisham Shabbir, Muhammad Razaq, Sidra Waheed, Jasim Waheed, Aamnah Tariq, Rushda Masud, Hafiz M Umer Saleem.

Executive Members

Tehmina Azhar, Izzah Shahid, Aamnah Ahmad Dar, Tehreem Raza, Malik M Hassan, Zainab Khalid, Attiq Ullah Sarang, Abdul Samad Khan, Maria Qanita, Dawood Mustafa Bokhari, Mariam Mushtaq, Sidra Siddiqui, Fahad Lodhi, M Hassan, Rana Adnan, Abdul Hafiz Nasar, Jehanzeb Anwer, M Tayyab.

EPS/GCU/2008-09/2

(15-11-2008)

Former Presidents and Secretaries

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REPORT OF EPS 2007-2008

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A report on the performance of Environment Protection Society (EPS) for the Session 2007-2008 is as follows:

1. FIRST ENVIRONMENTAL SURVEY: GLOBAL WARMING

First Environmental Survey was the inaugural event of the Session held on 9^th October, 2008 at GCU Main Block. The survey was on the topic of ‘Global Warming’ and met good response as the survey forms were completed within two hours of the desk opening. The survey report may be taken from Mr. Uzair Ahson, the advisor of the society.

2. INTER VARSITY ENVIRONMENTAL PAINTING AND POSTER COMPETITION

This was the first Inter University Level event organized in the Session held on 31^st October, 2008 at Prof. Salam Hall which attracted as many as 67 paintings and posters. The event lasted for two days. Vice Chancellor GCU Prof. Dr. Khalid Aftab was the Chief Guest who inaugurated the event. The adjudicators of the competition were renowned artist Dr. Ajaz Anwar, Pride of Performance and Aslam Kamal another Pride of Performance. The chief guest gave away prizes among the winners. Major institutions like Lahore College (W) University, LACAS (A Level), University of Lahore, College of Home Economics, UET, Keynesian Institute of Management Sciences (KIMS), Defence Degree College, APWA College, Govt. College, Samanabad Lahore, Beacon House School Liberty, Canal (Boys and Girls), Three branches of Crescent School, Chand Bagh School, Muridke and LGS Johar Town (A Level) participated in it.

At college level contest Hina Khalid of Lahore College for Women University was placed at the top, M. Ali from University of Lahore was given second prize whereas third prize went to Uswa Arshad of Govt. College Samanabad. At school level Minhal Asif of Crescent Girls School got first position whereas M. Saim Iqbal & Usama Ahmed of Beacon House School Canal branch got second and Shaoor Ahmed & Talha Waseem of the same School secured third position.

3. LECTURE ON AIR POLLUTION:

The Environment Protection Society (EPS) organized a lecture on “Air Pollution” at Sir Fazl-e-Hussain Reading Room on 21^st November, 2007, which was addressed by Mr. Muhammad Farooq of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Government of the Punjab. The speaker highlighted the major causes of Air Pollution and dilated on the after effects of this serious thwart being faced by the present day humanity.

Prof. Dr. Amin ul Haq, Dean Faculty of Sciences and Technology GCU, while speaking on the occasion said that the EPS has provided this platform to make students cognizant of the seriousness of the issue and urged them to work for the rehabilitation of the pollution free environment. Mr. Uzair Ahson, Staff Advisor of the EPS thanked the guest speaker and the Dean for their kind presence and for making the students aware of air pollution and its effects.

4. SECOND ENVIRONEMNTAL SURVEY

The second Environmental Survey was organized on the topic of ‘Water Pollution’ on 6^th December, 2007. Survey desk was placed at Main Block. Like previous survey it also met prompt response from students of University.  The survey report may be taken from Mr. Uzair Ahson, the advisor of the society.

5. FRIENDLY CRICKET MATCH

A friendly cricket match was organized with the Debating Society of GCU. EPS thrashed the Debating Society and got a convincing victory. The match was held on 16^th February, 2008 at GCU Cricket Ground.

6. INTER VARSITY STUDENTS ENVIRONMENTAL DISCUSSION

An Inter Varsity Round Table Students Environmental Discussion was organized by Society in PGB Library Seminar Room on the “Best Alternative Source of Energy: Solar Energy or Ethanol”. Leading Universities and Colleges participated in the discussion.

Students from various Institutions of Lahore highlighted the Energy Crisis of Pakistan and emphasized to seek solution thorough Alternative Energy Sources. Prof. Nuzhat Yar Khan, Professor of Sustainable Development was the Chief Guest at the occasion.

7. TRIP TO MAIN TOWER

Environment protection Society arranged a trip to main Tower of GC University, Lahore. This activity helped students see the extent of noise and air pollutions around GCU campus.

8. SCREENING OF DOCUMENTARY “AN INCONVINIENT TRUTH”

To create awareness among the students about Global Warming, EPS screened the Oscar Winning documentary “An Inconvenient Truth” by Former US Vice President and Nobel Laureate Al Gore at PGB Library Seminar Room.

The world famous documentary threw light on the dangers which this world is facing due to global warming, the reasons which are involved in this rise in temperature. Infact, the aim to present this documentary was to create awareness among students about the global warming which is now becoming a global issue. That documentary also depicted the precautionary measurements which are required to be taken to save this world from peril of global warming. Thus that documentary was not only concerned with warming of this world but it was also a warning for all of us if we want to save this world for future generations.

9. PARTICIPATED IN CONFERENCE AT PUNJAB EPA

EPS represented GCU in a conference organized by the EPA Punjab in February, 2008. The topic was “Empowerment of Youth to Combat Environmental Problems”.

10. LECTURE ON HEALTH HAZZARDS OF SMOKING.

The Society organized a lecture on “Health Hazards of Smoking” by Prof. Dr. Nazim Bokhari, Head, Department of Pulmonology, Sh. Zayed Medical Complex, Lahore. Dean Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Prof. Dr. Khalid Pervaiz was the Chief Guest at the occasion.

The speaker laid much emphasis on the injurious aspects of smoking. He mentioned that one day of smoking reduces one day of life. That lecture was of keen interest for the audience and remained very informative. That lecture might have helped the students to think on this serious issue of the globe.

11. EPS TIMES

The society re-launched its Annual Publication EPS Times and worked at seeking solution to energy crisis of Pakistan in its Environmental Project.

12. MEETINGS

The Society held regular meetings and educated its members and students about the Environmental Hazards and also spread awareness for the cause of Environment Protection.

13. STUDY TRIP TO RIVER RAVI

Environment Protection Society organized a Study Trip to River Ravi for studying Pollution at River Ravi on 19^th March, 2008. The purpose of the visit was to study the Environmental Pollution at River Ravi. EPS Team visited River Ravi area near Sagian Bridge and studied the water contamination and pollution over there.

14. INTER VARSITY ENVIRONMENTAL QUIZ COMPETITION

Environment Protection Society (EPS) organized Inter Varsity Environmental Quiz Competition. Leading educational institutions like LUMS, University of the Punjab, and 9 other institutions participated in the contest. Kinnaird College secured First position, Garrison Post Graduate Degree College stood second while the third position was grabbed by Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS).

15. PARTICIPATED AT ALL PAKISTAN PAINTING COMPETITION AT UET

In April, 2008, EPS, GCU participated in the All Pakistan Painting, Sketch Making & Photographic Competition organized by EHS, UET, Lahore.

16.  ORGANIZED AN ESSAY WRITING COMPETITION

EPS GCU organized an Essay Writing Competition. The topic of the competition were “How can we make Pakistan Pollution free?” and “Give suggestions for Hospital Waste management”.

17. ORGANIZED ENVIRONMENTAL FORUMS

EPS organized Environmental Forums on quarterly basis and encouraged students to come up with Environmental issues and discuss remedies.

18. PARTICIPATED IN AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOP

EPS, GCU was invited to participate in an International Conference organised by Pakistan Association for Continuing Adult Education (PACADE), Lahore in collaboration with South Asian Youth Environment Network (SAYEN) based in India, on 10^th & 11^th June, 2008 at Crown Plaza Hotel, Lahore. This conference was attended by leading Environmental experts, Senior Officials of Provincial and Federal Environment Departments, leading Academic institutions, and delegates from India. This workshop helped developing the links at national and international organizations and gave the students of EPS an opportunity to learn from international practices.

ACTIVITIES FOR SESSION 2007-08

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CAMPAIGN

In view of the verdict of Honorable Supreme Court of Pakistan, whereas Smoking stands prohibited; EPS launched a campaign at the campus in January, 2007 whereas posters were displayed all around the campus and students were given information about the health hazards of smoking and its prohibition by law.

FRIENDLY CRICKET MATCH

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On January 12, 2007 EPS organized a friendly cricket match with Masters of Entrepreneurship and SME management at GCU Cricket ground. EPS defeated ESME Deptt with a heavy margin.  

ENVIRONMENTAL PAINTING and POSTER COMPETITION

On 16^th and 17^th January, 2007 EPS organized an Environmental Painting and poster competition at Prof. Salam Hall (Old Hall) on the theme of “Save River Ravi”. Prof. Dr Amin ul Haq Khan, Dean of Sciences & Technology GCU was the Chief Gust. Prof. Asghar Nadeem Syed and Dr. Kausar Sohail, Chairperson Department of Psychology, GCU were the Adjudicators. GCU as a host team participated but didn’t compete for prizes.  The results were as:-

University Category

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“ENVIRONMENTAL DEBATING COMPETITION”

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On February 26^th, 2007 EPS organized a Debating Competition at the Fazl-e-Hussain Reading Room in collaboration with the Debating Society of GCU on the topic of “Development at the cost of environment”. The Adjudicators were Prof. Sajad Ali Khan, Assistant Professor, Department of English, GCU, Mr. Imran Khan, President GCU Debating Society, and Mr. Rana Hamza Ijaz, Joint Secretary GCUDS and a senior national debater. Ms. Sidra Afzal, President EPS and Sh. Tanzeel-Ur-Rehman, Secretary EPS presided over the debate. The results were as:-

Team Trophy Resource Academia

1^st position               Naeem-e-Zahra Rasool (Resource Academia, Lahore)

2^nd position              Lubna Bajwa (Salamat School. Lahore).

3^rd position              Faiza Hameed (Garrison Degree College, Lahore)

EPS PARTICIPATION AT UET, Lahore

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EPS GCU participated in the All Pakistan Painting, Sketch Making and Photographic Competition at UET, Lahore held on March 21. Students from GCU actively participated in the competition.

Documentary Film on “The inconvenient Truth”

In Mid February, 2007, EPS showed the Oscar Winning Documentary of Ex-US Vice President AlGore at Post Graduate Block Library Auditorium, “The inconvenient Truth”, which focused on changing global environmental conditions.  

Invited Lecture:

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EPS organized a lecture on “Hospital Waste Management” by the Environment Protection Agency, Govt. of the Punjab on 9^th May, 2006 at the Fazl-e-Hussain Seminar Room.

Environmental Protection Forum

EPS established Environmental Protection Forum, which held meetings once a month, whereas students from the campus were invited to discuss problems pertaining to environment and give suggestions for their solution.

News & Events

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EPS Organizes Inter-varsity Environmental Painting and Poster Competition at GCU

Environment Protection Society of GCU organised the ‘Inter Varsity Environmental Painting and Poster Competition 2009’ at Salam Hall of the University. Around 20 schools, colleges and universities participated in the event with 144 entries on display. The theme of the event was role of community in environmental protection and conservation. Dr. Ijaz Anwer from NCA, Dr. Nuzhat Yar and Irfan Ullah Babar from the Fine Arts Department of GCU adjudicated the competition while Asif Saeed, Chairperson of Economics Department, was the chief guest. Asif Saeed appreciated the efforts made by EPS since 1992 and termed it a healthy initiative.

(27-03-2009)

SPECIAL LECTURE ON ENERGY CONSERVATION AT GCU

The Environment Protection Society organized a special lecture on energy conservation delivered by the Director General of PEPCO Tahir Basharat Cheema at Bokahri Auditorium of the university. He said masses to avoid unnecessary used of electricity during peak hours and now its time to change our habits to put the country on the path of progress. While highlighting the root cause of prevailing energy crises in the country he said energy consumption is increasing with every day passing but the production could not be increased accordingly owing to which electricity short fall is enchasing. He stressed upon the consumer to cooperate with PEPCO to handle the problem.

The Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Khalid Aftab said that country was passing through a critical phase and has been facing enormous problems including energy crisis. He pointed out that without enhancing the energy production, country could not come out of energy crisis. In his address on the occasion said, we can’t overcome the problems until country has political stability. He emphasised on continuation of national polices by every coming government. He further added that improvement in political culture and politics of tolerance are the key factors for progress. On the occasion of large number of teacher and students were also present.

(09-01-2009)

EPS Arranges a lecture on Wetland Conservation Project by WWF

The Environment Protection Society of GC University organized a seminar on Wetland Conservation Project by WWF in Fazal-e-Hussain reading room of the University. Addressing the special seminar, the Director General WWF Mr. Ali Hassan Habib said that there are two hundred eco-significant regions in the world. “Pakistan is one of the best countries in the world with special reference to environment and tourism”, he added, “The objective of (WWF) is to protect the wild life and forest diversity of Pakistan”. He referred to the WWF - GCU collaboration in certain projects like Vegetation Restoration at Harappa Mounds, Botanic Garden Network and Field Research Praogramme. In this regard, he appreciated the steps taken by GCU in Association with Oxford University U.K. to protect the natural reserves of Pakistan. The Coordinator of WWF Sh. Waseem highlighted the different aspects of the Wetland Conservation Projects. Dean Faculty of Science and Technology, Dr. Amin-ul-Haq said that GCU and WWF would promote the constructive activities and the student of GCU shall play their vital role in this perspective. The audience acknowledged the contents of the lecture.

(26-12-2008)

EPS organizes Inter-varsity round table discussion on best alternative source of energy in Pakistan: Solar energy

The Environment Protection Society (EPS) of GCU Lahore organized an inter-varsity round table student discussion focusing the best alternative source of energy in Pakistan: Solar energy or ethanol. University of the Punjab Lahore, UET, Lahore, F C College University, Garrison College of Girls Lahore and the host society of GCU participated in the discussion session. Dr. Nuzhat Yar Khan, foreign faculty at Sustainable Development Study Centre, GCU was the chief guest on the occasion. During the discussion period, some of the institutions argued in favor of the use of solar energy as it is abundant in Pakistan while some students favored ethanol. They were of the view that ethanol is less expensive than solar energy and being an agricultural product can greatly held Pakistan over come its heavy dependence on oil and natural gas.

The chief guest highly appreciated the students for their intellectual abilities and also lauded the EPS for organizing this discussion period on such Pakistan based important topic.

(26-02-2008)

Contact Us

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Uzair Ahson

Advisor (EPS)

Room No. 221,

Department of Economics, GC University, Lahore

Ph # 111-000-010 Ext. 279

uzair.ahson@gcu.edu.pk