Kathua : In an effort to combine environment conservation with electoral awareness, all polling stations across Assembly Constituency Hiranagar on Saturday conducted a plantation drive as part of the ‘Green Election’ initiative of the Election Commission of India (ECI). Booth Awareness Groups (BAGs) at 110 polling stations planted 10 saplings each, including fruit and non-fruit trees, to promote the theme of sustainable development during the J&K Assembly Elections 2024.
The Returning Officer, 68-Hiranagar, Rakesh Kumar ( SDM) led by example, planting 20 saplings at the Hiranagar Stadium.
During the event, the RO emphasized the participatory nature of democracy, highlighting the importance of informed voters and the role of community engagement in strengthening the electoral process.
Additionally, GLDM GDC Hiranagar initiated its own plantation drive under the same initiative. As many as 25 plants were planted on the campus by students, faculty members, non-teaching staff, and the Principal, along with other officials, reinforcing the connection between environmental consciousness and civic responsibility.
Later, in the day, Sandhya Chaupals were organized in ward numbers 4, 8, and 9 of Municipal Committee Hiranagar as part of the SVEEP campaign. These gatherings aimed to engage the labor force, working men, and business people in voter education efforts. Anganwadi workers and Supervisors enacted a street play, delivering the critical message that every vote matters and encouraging participants to exercise their right to vote as both a responsibility and a privilege.
In a unique initiative, Government High School Chadwal invited parents to the school to take a voter pledge, symbolizing their commitment to participating in the electoral process.
These initiatives reflect the commitment of AC 68 Hiranagar to ensuring both high voter turnout and environmental stewardship, aligning with the Election Commission’s vision of informed, responsible, and active citizens.
