Plantation Drive Held in Budgam to Mark World Forest Day | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: To mark World Forest Day and raise awareness about forests and biodiversity, the Pir Panjal Forest Division, Budgam, on Tuesday organised a plantation drive-cum-“tree talk” at the Nilnag forest block in the Doodh Ganga Forest Range.

Students from Government High School Gogjipathri, officials of the Forest Department, and members of the JK Climate Action Group (JKCAG) and the JK RTI Movement participated in the programme.

Addressing the gathering, JKCAG Chairman and founder of the JK RTI Movement Raja Muzaffar Bhat called for a large-scale plantation drive across the Kashmir Valley in view of drought-like conditions witnessed over the past few years. He said that deteriorating air quality in the region could also be mitigated through sustained afforestation efforts.

Bhat appreciated the role of Doodh Ganga Forest Range Officer Zahoor Ahmad Khan and Block Forest Officer Mohammad Aslam Wani for promoting awareness about forest conservation and biodiversity among students.

Speaking on the occasion, Khan urged students to actively participate in afforestation programmes and become “green ambassadors” in the future. He also thanked the staff of Government High School Gogjipathri for their support in organising the event.

Block Forest Officer Wani, Deputy Forester Riyaz Ahmad, and members of JKCAG and the RTI Movement, including Mushtaq Ahmad Lone, Shabir Musroof, Mohammad Younus and Arsalan Ibrahim, also addressed the participants.