Udhampur/Jammu, July 19 (Scoop News) -Climate change presents the most compelling challenge the mankind is facing today. It is threat of an order, where basic environmental conditions that make our planet habitable hang in the balance.
Indian Army is one of the pioneer institutions in the nation to adopt ecology conservation as a way of life and has rich traditions of protecting the natural habitats. Being located in different eco systems & bio diverse zones and its nature of duty binds it close to mother earth and nature. It has always endeavoured to protect the green belt and has undertaken multifarious activities to convert the existing barren land into green cover. Under patronage and guidance of Lt Gen BS Jaswal, PVSM, AVSM**, VSM, General Officer Commanding in Chief and Lt Gen Jasbir Singh, AVSM, VSM, Chief of Staff, Northern Command has taken various initiatives on afforestration, water harvesting, nature conservation, area cleanliness, tree plantation and spreading environmental awareness in Northern Command and Udhampur Station. This season, Udhampur military station has planned to plant 15,000 trees of various types with assistance from Social Forestry and horticulture Department of Jammu and Kashmir Government.
In an endeavour to further this noble cause of preserving and harnessing environment and to display fine conservationist spirit, a Van Mahotsav week involving multifarious activities, is being celebrated in Udhampur Station from 18 Jul to 25 Jul 2010. The celebrations commenced with a Van Mahostav Precession undertaken at Udhampur garrison on Monday.The procession was encouraged by Mrs Ritu Jaswal, President, Family Welfare Organisation Northern Command. Participation of over 3000 school children, all ranks, families and even horses, gave a festive look and added colour to the celebrations. The enthusiasm, interest and spirit of participation, amongst all, amply demonstrated the success and purpose of the event.