Lavender in Bloom: Khyber Cement Celebrates Ecology, Industry in Harmony

SRINAGAR: In a unique blend of industrial purpose and ecological celebration, Khyber Cement hosted its annual Lavender Day amid the lush purple blooms surrounding its facility, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable growth in Kashmir.

The event, held in the specially developed Lavender Park near Khyber’s manufacturing site, brought together students, community members, and senior government officials in a celebration that placed the environment at the heart of industry. The park, a landscaped space cultivated by Khyber Cement over the years, stands as a testament to how green interventions can be integrated meaningfully within industrial landscapes.

Speaking at the event, Riaz Tramboo, Director of Operations, said, “At Khyber Cement, Lavender Day is more than a calendar event — it’s part of our long-term responsibility to support Kashmir’s ecological health. Our aim is to grow responsibly, side by side with the environment.”

The day saw enthusiastic participation from local residents and schoolchildren, alongside prominent figures such as Abhijeet Joshi (SFS), Regional Director, Kashmir, J&K Pollution Control Committee; Hameeda Akhtar (KAS), General Manager, District Industries Centre, Srinagar; and Fiaz Ahmad, District Officer, J&K Pollution Control Committee. Officials from the Floriculture and Industries departments were also present, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the initiative.

Umar Tramboo, Director of Corporate & Strategy, echoed the sentiment. “This isn’t just about lavender. It’s about planting the seeds of a different kind of industrial future — one where growth walks hand-in-hand with green values.”

A highlight of the day was a demonstration of Khyber’s lavender oil extraction process — a small but impactful example of how value addition can emerge from thoughtful ecological investment. With green belts, plantation drives, and continued public outreach, Khyber Cement is positioning itself not just as a cement manufacturer but as a catalyst for environment-conscious industrial practices.

The event drew praise for offering a rare model of corporate social responsibility rooted in local ecology. As Kashmir’s industrial future takes shape, Lavender Day stands as a hopeful reminder that development doesn’t need to come at the cost of nature — it can grow out of it.