Kulgam, March 21: The Special Forest Division Kulgam, on the occasion of the International Day of Forests, organized a series of plantation drives across various forest ranges in the district. The initiative aimed to enhance the green cover in Kulgam by planting a significant number of saplings.
According to Mohd Ashraf Katoo, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Kulgam, the plantation drive was launched under the theme “Forests & Foods” to contribute to environmental sustainability and long-term climate change mitigation.
He said that the main event was organized at C-29 N of Forest Range Kulgam, where he personally participated. Several other plantation drives were conducted in different ranges, including the well-known Aharbal region.
Suhail Ahmed Wani, Range Officer of Forest Range Kulgam, said that the drive witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, women, senior citizens, and frontline forest staff.
“During the event, 4,000 conifer saplings were planted, reinforcing our commitment to environmental sustainability and ecological balance in the region,” he said.
Dr Afshan Anjum, a Range Officer, said that the plantation drive in Aharbal was a great success, aiming to increase the range’s green cover.
She said that March 21st, locally known as Novroz, is a day traditionally associated with plantation activities. “Although the plantation drive had already commenced earlier, this day holds special importance,” she added.
