ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur celebrated World Soil Day

ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur celebrated World Soil Day on 05 December, 2025. On this occasion special scientific lectures were arranged to educate and create awareness among the school students about the importance of the them of the year ‘Healthy Soils for Healthy cities.’ On this occasion Dr J.S. Mishra, Director, ICAR-DWR mentioned that the soils are the foundations of sustainable and resilient cities but unfortunately the sporadic growth of concrete structures in the name of urbanization is degrading and destroying its very foundation. In this context he urged the policymakers, city leaders, civil society, and citizens to integrate nature and innovative technologies to reduce environmental impact while improving quality of life through urbanization.

Earlier Dr. KK Barman highlighted the significance and importance of celebrating World Soil Day across the member countries of the United Nations under the umbrella of FAO. Dr. Himanshu Mahawar highlighted how rapidly expanding urban landscapes are burying living soil systems under layers of concrete, leading to soil sealing, urban heat islands, water scarcity, biodiversity loss, and weakened ecological resilience.

Dr. Surabhi Hota talked about the practical, nature-based solutions to restore and protect urban soils. The students were made aware about the global examples of soil-friendly planning, such as green roofs, permeable pavements, rain gardens, and integrated green corridors, along with simple citizen-led actions like home composting and reducing unnecessary cementing. The program was attended by more than 100 participants including students from the nearby schools, scientists and research fellows.