Baramulla: In a significant environmental initiative, the Forest Department’s Jehlum Valley (JV) division, in collaboration with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) 53 Battalion, organized a large plantation drive at Fathegarh village of Sheeri Narvaw in Baramulla district on Wednesday.
The event saw participation from various dignitaries including DFO JV Division Satandarya Moriya, Commanding Officer 53 Battalion CRPF Sanjeev Kumar Sharma, Range Officer Rameez Raja, Second in Command 53 Battalion CRPF Ranjit Singh and PP Singh, Range Officer Social Conservation Perveena Bano, Block Officer Social Forestry Mohammed Maqsood Khan, Block Officer Forest Kitchama Ajaiz Ahmad Mir, Principal Greenland Public School Dr Manzoor Ahmad Rather, along with forest officials and students. Participants planted numerous deodar and conifer saplings, working together with local residents and forest officials.
Range Officer Rameez Raja emphasized the importance of ecological balance and the necessity of tree plantation in the current era of global warming. He called on all stakeholders to actively engage in planting more trees.
Principal Greenland Public School, and Cultural Activist Dr. Manzoor Ahmad Rather expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Baramulla Forest Division in providing saplings and supporting the planting activities. “It must be the duty of every conscious citizen to be involved in this drive and plant more trees to protect future generations from the disastrous consequences of environmental degradation,” he stated.
Forester Nazir Ahmad Dar highlighted the theme for World Environment Day 2024, “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience,” urging everyone to pledge to protect and conserve forests. He stressed the importance of being aware and vigilant and making informed consumption-related choices to save forests.
Students of GPS Fathegarh delivered speeches on the significance of forests and plantations. “When you plant a tree, you don’t just plant a sapling but hope. The present impact of global warming teaches us how trees are extremely important for our survival,” one student remarked.
Reyaz Ahmad Ganai, a writer, innovator, and environmental activist, emphasized that every day should be a tree plantation day. “We must work towards building a secure future for coming generations, as sustainable forest management and resource use are critical in preventing climate change and ensuring prosperity and well-being for present and future generations,” he said.
