World Arbor Day was observed in Kashmir

Srinagar, March 21 (Scoop News) –Like other parts of the country, 37th Arbor Day was also observed in the Valley, which offers an opportunity to motivate and adequate the people about the importance of the plantation.

            In this connection, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon today planted a sapling in the complex of the Government Medical College, Srinagar and said that there are continue efforts by all the concerned departments including NGOs to green the Valley by plantation at a large scale.

            He further said that he has already directed all the concerned agencies including District Heads to involve students of schools, colleges and universities for every nook and corner of the Valley wherever the land is available, even the massive plantation in Government complex, health institutions and other places may be covered by planting trees. He said plantation drive will not only change the atmosphere of the Valley but also will provide us firewood, timber and other requirements of the people and ultimately will reduce the burden on our green wealth and scenic beauty. 

            On the occasion, highlighting the importance of the World Arbor Day, the Director Social Forestry,  Mohammad Shafi Khan said that no doubt our State is already blessed with a beautiful diversity in respect of physiographic climatic flural and fauna assets but it is our prime responsibility to maintain this good gifted agro climatic conditions ranging from sub tropical to alpine.

            He said that during this massive plantation drive, 14 lakh saplings would be planted in 1185 hectares of land. He said by planting more and more trees is the only means available with mankind at present to mitigate the hazardous and green house ommissions which is a great threat to the world climate.

            General Manager, Social Forestry, Regional Director, Pollution Control Board, Principal, Government Medical College, Srinagar and Nazir Benazir, Chairman, National Water Resources Wetlands and Forests also spoke on the occasion.

            Meanwhile, the Social Forestry Division, Baramulla today also observed World Arbour Day at Boys Higher Secondary School, Pattan. The District Development Commissioner, Baramulla,  Bashir Ahmad Bhat as a chief guest kicked off the plantation drive by planting several saplings at the Higher Secondary School premieses of Pattan.

            The District Development Commissioner, Baramulla exhorted upon the departments and general public for plantation of the trees for the preservation of ecological balance and environment. He appreciated  the role of Social Forestry Department for plantation drive in the Baramulla and Bandipora districts.

            The Deputy Conservator of Social Forestry Division, Baramulla, Principal, Boys Higher Secondary School, Pattan and others also spoke on the occasion.

            A debate was organized on the World Arbour Day, in which 20 students presented their essays and were awarded prizes and certificates by the Social Forestry Division, Baramulla.

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