Jammu : Taking the initiative of “Green Jammu & Kashmir” forward, Social Forestry Division Jammu, in collaboration with Government Ayurvedic Medical College Akhnoor and Village Panchayat Plantation Committees, organised a plantation drive and seminar at Government Ayurvadic College Akhnoor.
Bharat Bhushan, Chairperson DDC Jammu was Chief Guest of the event and RoshanJaggi, PCCF/Director Social Forestry Department and Dr. Shashi Sudan, Principal Government Ayurvadic Medical College Akhnoor were guests of honor.
Suresh Sharma, member DDC Jammu and VPPC Chairpersons alongwith the students of the institutes also participated in the drive. A large number of plants of medicinal importance such as Harad, Baheda, Rudraksh, Amla, Kapoor, Neem, Arjun and Bauhinia were planted on the occasion.
During the technical session, BharatBhushan, Chairperson DDC Jammu, emphasized upon the need of protecting our natural heritage and to protect the environment in the wake of climate change crisis.
RoshanJaggi, PCCF/Director in his remarks appreciated the role of Gram Panchayats in promoting plantation initiatives on lands outside Natural Forests. He referred to the provisions of Social Forestry Plantation Rules recently notified by the Government wherein, provision for sharing 75% of proceeds of mature plantations with Gram Panchayat exists. Many Gram Panchayats are getting benefited by utilizing money from Gram Panchayat Fund for small developmental works in their Panchayat areas.
RoshanJaggi highlighted that the plantation drive also includes plantation Putranjiva (Jiopota) trees to commemorate the coronation event of Maharaja Gulab Singh. He also encouraged progressive farmers of different panchayats to take up the plantation of medicinal trees which can augment the carbon stock of the country and add to employment and revenue generation. Dr. Shashi Sudan, in her remarks, appreciated the role of Social Forestry Department in contributing to clean air and green sorroundings.
Suresh Sharma, member DDC appealed to the Social Forestry Department to take up plantation as well as Soil and Moisture Conservation works in MairaMandarian Block.
During the seminar, winners of essay competition titled “Solving Climate Change Crisis with Agroforestry” and painting competition titled “Earth: Our Only Home” were felicitated by the Chief Guest BharatBhushan and RoshanJaggi. Students and members of nearby panchayats were introduced to plants and seeds of different medicinal species. Plant saplings were also distributed to members of the PRI.
