Plantation drive along NH-44, Banihal Railway Station marks 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’

Banihal, Nov 12: In a significant step towards promoting environmental conservation and beautification, the Forest Department Range Banihal has launched a large-scale plantation drive along the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) and the premises of Banihal Railway Station.

The initiative has been undertaken as part of the celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of the national song ‘Vande Mataram.’

The plantation drive was formally inaugurated by Sub-Divisional Magistrate Banihal, Muhammad Naseeb, who planted saplings to mark the commencement of the campaign. He was joined by Range Officer Banihal, Khawaja Rasik Waheed and Station Master Abdul Baseer Bali along with officers and officials from the forest department and Forest Protection Force.

Speaking on the occasion Range officer Rasik Waheed said the drive aimed to enhance the green cover and add natural beauty to the surroundings of the highway and railway station, both of which witnessed heavy daily traffic and public movement.

He further emphasised that such initiatives not only contributed to environmental sustainability but also helped in spreading awareness about the importance of greenery and ecological balance among the local population.

The department plans to plant a variety of native tree species during the campaign to ensure long-term growth and environmental benefits for the area.