Plantation drive held in Lolab to boost green cover

Jahangir Lolabi

Kupwara: The Forest Department (South Lolab) organised a plantation drive at Lalpora in Kupwara district on Thursday. The initiative was aimed at promoting environmental conservation and enhancing green cover in the area.

During the drive, walnut saplings were planted at different designated locations in the area by multiple departments, including Horticulture, Forest Protection Force, Police, Army, and ICDS.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Lolab, Mudassir Ahmad, attended the programme as chief guest. Among others present were Range Officer Sogam Athar Parvaiz, SHO Lalpora Showkat Ahmad, Block Forest Officer Aijaz Ahmad Khan, and Indian Army Company Commander Major Ashiq Hussain, besides officials, staff and local participants.

Range Officer Sogam Athar Parvaiz, under whose supervision the drive was carried out, on the occasion said that it was a unique drive under ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir campaign. “We earlier used to plant other varieties, but in this drive we planted walnut trees for its long-lasting and sustainable benefit to the environment and the people alike,” he said.

The plantation, officials further said, was part of efforts to strengthen environmental awareness and address concerns related to climate change and resource depletion.

Speakers on the occasion highlighted the importance of afforestation in maintaining ecological balance and urged greater public participation in such initiatives.