Kathua: In continuation with the plantation drive, kick started by the Minister for Forests, Environment and Ecology, Ch Lal Singh as part of the 68th Van Mahotsav celebration across the state, Thursday number of forest species including medicinal, ornamental and fruit saplings were planted at Rehan, Atal Setu, Zero Morh, Barmargala and Jated areas of Basohli.
While addressing the people, Ch Lal Singh said he initiated the concept of making tree plantation a movement of the masses in celebration mode and it has become a popular celebration during each and every monsoon. When an individual plants a tree a bond is developed between them which inspires the person to take care of that plant, in this manner survival of the plant is ensured and objective of celebrating Van Mahotsav get realized, said the Minister. He added that these celebrations involve local people in plantation drives and spread environmental awareness.
Recollecting PM Modi’s emphasis on ‘Van Dhan’ to enhance the country’s forest-based economy, the Minister said improving the biodiversity and living in harmony with nature has been a part of our culture for thousands of years, the Forest Minister requested the people at large, to hold plantation drives during the monsoon season. He further advised them to plant native trees because they readily adapt to local climate, integrate into the eco-system, have a high survival rate and are helpful in supporting local birds, insect and animals.
The Minister urged the people to become ‘Green ambassadors’ and participate actively in plantation drives during the period of monsoon. He further urged the students to be the messengers of plantation to their peer groups, their parents and guardians and community at large. He added that goals of extensive plantation can be attained only with the active participation of people on a large scale. He also called upon the people to conserve natural water bodies as they are essential to maintain the fragile ecological balance besides catering to the need of water during harsh summer season.
To further improve the green gold in and around Basohli, Ch Lal Singh informed that Ecological Task Force (ETF) has been deployed from Basohli to Sheetal Nagar and will involve in afforestation and eco-restoration programs, combating environmental degradation in areas affected by green felling. The personnel of ETF also participated in Thursday`s plantation drive at Basohli.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Ravi Kesar, ADC Basohli Sanjay Gupta, Chief Wildlife Warden, Manoj Pant; Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Roshan Jaggi; Chairman PCB, B Sidharth Kumar; Director Ecology and Environment, O P Sharma; Director Social Forestry, A K Gupta; Chief Conservator of Forests, Farooq Gillani; Director Forest Protection Force, Asif Sagar; Managing Director SFC, Suresh Gupta; Director SFRI, B M Sharma besides other senior officers of Forests and its allied wings, Tehsil and Divisional level officers besides students in large numbers were present during the plantation drive.
