Saim Smith Amrit Vatika’ created under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav campaign.

GNSONLINE RAJOURI
SHYAM SOOD

RAJOURI, AUGUST 30:—Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) said that the department has planted around 4.5 lakh saplings in the district under the initiative ‘Har Goan Hariyali’ and ‘J&K Green Drive’ across the Rajouri district.
This was disclosed by Dr. Arshdeep Singh, DFO on the occasion of creating a ‘Sam Samith Amrit Vatika’ under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav campaign in collaboration with District Administration in village Saim Samith situated in Rajouri Township and planted 75 saplings of tall & healthy plants.
Advocate Naseem Liaqat, Chairman District Development Council Rajouri; Vikas Kundal, District Development Commissioner Rajouri; Dr Arshdeep Singh, Divisional Forest Officer Rajouri; Pawan Parihar, Additional District Development Commissioner Rajouri, Officers from District Administration Rajouri, Forest Department, school children and others participated in the event.
While welcoming the participants Dr. Arshdeep said: “A special tree plantation drive has been conducted under the aegis of ‘Azadi ki Amrit Mahotsav’ to commemorate the country’s 75 years of Independence &75 tall and healthy plants were planted at ‘Saim Smith Amrit Vatika’”.
“The department has planted around 4.5 lakh saplings in the district under the initiative ‘Har Goan Hariyali’ and ‘J&K Green Drive” he added.
“The Government has taken a slew of measures to enhance the green cover and people’s cooperation is a must in this regard & the forest officials should keep working with the same zeal,” said Ch.Naseem Liaqat, DDC Chairman.
He asked the stakeholder departments to take proactive steps to encourage common people to participate in plantation drives.
“There is an immediate need to raise awareness among the public about the importance of plantation in combating climate change” he added.
Stressing the need to realize the importance of respecting and protecting green wealth and the rich flora for future generations, Vikas Kundal, DDC urged upon the common masses to come forward and join the movement.
“Deforestation is worrying and the need of the hour is to bring more and more people together to grow and save forests for our present and future generations,” he said.
Sain Abdul Rashid, Rajouri DDC member also highlighted the importance of plants in maintaining oxygen balance and urged the public to plant more and more plants on their land.
‘Har Gaon Hariyali’ program, a unique initiative launched by the UT Of J&K, in consonance with the vision of ‘Green Jammu and Kashmir’ drive has proved instrumental in ensuring sustainable development besides promoting climate justice.