SPPND Degree College launches plantation drive to mark ‘Van Mahotsav’

Samba, July 28: Taking a meaningful step toward environmental sustainability, SPPND Government Degree College, Samba observed Van Mahotsav with a plantation drive at its newly established Botanical Garden, aiming to raise ecological consciousness among students and staff.A statement issued here said that the drive, organised by the Department of Botany in collaboration with the Forest Department, UT of J&K, featured the planting of over 25 saplings of native and ecologically significant species, including Palash, Arjuna, Amla, Parijat, Reetha, Chinar, Bougainvillea, Mango and Pomegranate, along with two varieties of bamboo known for their environmental resilience. The event began with the symbolic plantation of a Palash sapling by Prof. (Dr.) Twinkle Suri, Principal of the college, who underlined the importance of such green initiatives in fostering ecological responsibility among the youth. “Even the smallest steps can inspire a culture of sustainable action and lasting change,” she said. Students, faculty, and non-teaching staff participated in large numbers, reflecting a unified commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development. The drive was coordinated by the Department of Botany, led by Associate Professor Mala Bhasin, with active support from Dr. Ranjodh Singh Jamwal (HoD History) and Rajinder Singh Jasrotia, Block Officer, Forest Department, UT of J&K. College authorities emphasised that the event not only enriched the campus green cover but also instilled a long-term sense of ecological responsibility in the younger generation