Forest Deptt sets stage for International Day of Forests

Srinagar, Mar 18: The Urban Forest Division, Srinagar, J&K Forest Department in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Srinagar Monday organised a pre-event to the main function to celebrate the International Day of Forests on March 21, 2024.

An official spokesman in a statement issued here said that on the occasion the department organised several events under the theme ‘Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World’.

This dynamic event saw enthusiastic participation from various stakeholders including officers and officials of the Forest Department, educators, staff and paralegal volunteers of DLSA Srinagar, students of several schools and community members.

The students of Amar Singh College Srinagar also participated in the event.

The event commenced with a green march rally kicked off by Conservator of Forests, Srinagar Circle, Pradeepchandra Wahule in presence of Secretary DLSA Srinagar, Jahangir Ahmad Bakshi, DFO Urban Forestry Division, Srinagar, Dr. Mehraj Ahmad Sheikh, Assistant Soil Conservation Officer, Aarif Nazir Range Officer, S Park, Javid Ahmad, Deputy LADC Srinagar, Zulfi Tasneem Chairman National Society for Protection of Water Resources, Nazir-be-Nazir, and wetland and other officers of the Urban Forest Division Srinagar.

The rally, a symbol of unity and commitment to environmental conservation, resonated with the spirit of the International Day of Forests.

Following the rally, participants converged at Bal Van, where Pradeepchandra Wahule, CF Srinagar Circle, spearheaded a plantation drive, underscoring the vital importance of tree planting in sustaining our ecosystems.

Together with the enthusiastic involvement of students, officials of the Forest Department and Para Legal Volunteers of DLSA, Srinagar, the initiative aimed to foster a culture of environmental stewardship among the youth.

Simultaneously, the vibrant energy of creativity filled the air as students showcased their artistic talents in a Painting Competition centered on the theme of ‘Forests and Innovation’.

Their compelling artworks served as poignant reminders of the critical role forests play in driving innovation for a sustainable future.

The competition culminated in a heartfelt felicitation ceremony honouring the young artists for their exceptional contributions.