Plantation drive launched at Manasbal

Srinagar, Aug 18: The Annual Plantation Drive for 2025-26 was launched today at the scenic Manasbal Lake, setting in motion an ambitious campaign to restore Kashmir’s fragile ecology and safeguard its water bodies.

As per the statement, the initiative was led by Dr Touseef Ahmed, who has pledged to plant five lakh saplings across J&K during the year. Addressing volunteers, civil society members, and dignitaries, Ahmed said, “Planting trees in vulnerable catchment areas not only protects water bodies from siltation and pollution but also helps mitigate the effects of climate change. Our collective effort today will ensure a greener, cleaner, and healthier tomorrow.”

Rtn Jagjit Singh underlined the urgency of sustained plantation campaigns in the face of deforestation, soil erosion, and dwindling water quality, stressing the importance of protecting catchment zones of lakes like Manasbal, Dal, and Wular.

The event drew strong participation from NGOs, including Rotary Club of Kashmir, EPG, Kashmir Concern, JK Action Forum, the Forest Department, civil society groups, and educational institutions. Faiz Bakshi, Convenor of the Environmental Policy Group (EPG), urged stakeholders to mobilise youth, spread awareness, and strengthen community-driven afforestation.

The programme also featured interactive sessions on the role of native species in biodiversity restoration. Volunteers distributed saplings around Manasbal’s catchment area, setting the tone for sustained action throughout the year.