50 SKIMS Doctors Join ‘One Million Trees for Pir Panjal’ Plantation Drive in Budgam

Budgam: In a continued push towards ecological restoration in the Western Himalayan region, the third phase of the flagship “One Million Trees for Pir Panjal” campaign was conducted at Sochalpathri–Mujpathri in the Raithan Range of Pir Panjal Division in central Kashmir’s Budgam district.

Around 50 doctors from SKIMS Medical College participated in the plantation drive under the leadership of Professor Dr. Ashfaq Bhat, Head of the Department of Community Medicine. Their participation underscored the growing recognition of the interdependence between environmental health and public well-being.

The initiative forms part of the broader “One Million Trees for Pir Panjal” campaign, a people-centric movement aimed at restoring fragile ecosystems and enhancing climate resilience through increased green cover. The campaign focuses on long-term ecological revival driven by community engagement and environmental responsibility.

The plantation drive was organised by the School for Rural Development and Environment (SRDE) in collaboration with the Forest Department, Jammu and Kashmir, the Nature Conservancy Alliance (NCA), and the Trekking Club of SKIMS Medical College. The joint effort reflects a coordinated approach involving institutions, civil society, and professionals to address environmental challenges in the region.

Officials from the Forest Department, including Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Pir Panjal Syed Waseem and Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Kashmir Irfan Rasool, were acknowledged for their support and facilitation in executing the programme.

Among those present were Prof. (Dr.) Ashfaq Bhat; Dr. Shaikh Ghulam Rasool, climate justice activist and founder of SRDE; Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Khansahib Saqib Gani; Range Officer Raithan Range Ghulam Rasool; Dr. Wani Sarjeel, coordinator of the SKIMS Trekking Club; and former Sarpanch Hanifa Bano.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Shaikh Ghulam Rasool said such initiatives extend beyond plantation efforts and represent a collective commitment to ecological balance, climate action, and sustainable development. He stressed the importance of conservation measures in the ecologically sensitive Pir Panjal region.

The campaign continues to gain traction as a mass movement, urging citizens, institutions, and policymakers to contribute towards environmental conservation and safeguarding the natural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir. (via. Raja Bilal)