Budgam: To create awareness about forests and biodiversity and to commemorate World Forest Day, the Pir Panjal Forest Division, Budgam, on Tuesday, organised a plantation drive and tree talk at the Nilnag forest block of the Doodh Ganga Forest Range.
Students of Government High School Gogjipathri, officials of the Forest Department, and members of the J&K Climate Action Group (JKCAG) and J&K RTI Movement participated in the event.
Addressing students, forest staff and climate activists, Chairman of J&K Climate Action Group and founder of the J&K RTI Movement, Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat, stressed the need for a massive plantation drive across the Kashmir Valley in view of the drought-like situation witnessed in recent years. He said air quality in Kashmir was also being impacted and could be improved through large-scale plantation programmes.
He appreciated the role of Doodh Ganga Forest Range Officer Zahoor Ahmad Khan and Block Forest Officer Mohammad Aslam Wani for their efforts in creating awareness about forests and biodiversity among students.
Range officer Zahoor Ahmad Khan urged students to actively participate in afforestation programmes of the forest department so that they can become green ambassadors in the future. He also thanked the staff of Government High School Gogjipathri for their support in organising the event.
Block Forest Officer Mohammad Aslam Wani, Deputy Forester Riyaz Ahmad, and members of the J&K Climate Action Group and RTI Movement — Mushtaq Ahmad Lone, Shabir Musroof, Mohammad Younus and Arsalan Ibrahim — also spoke during the event.
