Forest Department initiates Sewa Parv Programme at Sopore – Alfaaz – The Words

Sopore: As part of the ongoing Sewa Parv celebrations (17th September – 2nd October, 2025), the Conservator of Forests, North Circle, Sh. Irfan Ali Shah(IFS) today initiated Seva Parv programme by launching plantation drive at Mazbugh Army Camp of 22 Rashtriya Rifles (RR). The drive marks the beginning of a series of activities planned by the North Forest Circle in the twin districts of Baramulla and Kupwara to observe the fortnight-long nationwide campaign.

On the occasion, about fifty saplings of different conifer and fruit trees including Deodar, Cypress, Hardy and Albizzia were planted in and around the camp premises. The Conservator of Forests highlighted the manifold benefits of plantations in Urban and Peri-Urban areas underlining its role in climate mitigation, soil stabilization, biodiversity enrichment, and combating environmental stresses like floods and cloudbursts.

‘‘He emphasized that Sewa Parv is a nationwide initiative to promote collective responsibility towards society, nature and future generations. The Forest Department has drawn up a comprehensive calendar of activities for the campaign, including Plantation drives, Awareness programmes, Cleanliness initiatives, and Community Outreach events in different Forest divisions of North Forest Circle,’’ he added.

Speaking about the collaboration with the defence forces, Owais Farooq, Divisional Forest Officer Kamraj Forest Division remarked that the Army has been a crucial stakeholder and supporter in Eco-restoration and Environmental amelioration efforts, especially in ecologically sensitive areas. Their involvement not only enhances the scale of such campaigns but also inspires all to actively participate in activities which promote Environmental consciousness among all’’.

The programme was attended by Sh. Javid Rahim Malik, Deputy Director Forest Protection Force Baramulla, Fayaz Ahmad, Major 22RR Mazbugh, Sh. Rayees Ahmad, Range Officer Special Range Sopore, and other officers and frontline staff of the Forest Department and Forest Protection Force Personnel.