Plantation drive held at Khimber
Srinagar, Sep 29: In a remarkable display of collective spirit, a massive plantation drive was held on Monday at Khimber under Sewa Parv 2025.
The plantation drive brought together participants from every walk of life, including universities, NIT Srinagar, colleges, schools, associations, the travel and trade fraternity, lawyers, environmentalists, social activists, and volunteers.
Joint Director Tourism, Kashmir, Waseem Raja, was the chief guest at the event.
Administering the Sewa Parv pledge, he said, “Environment is synonymous with tourism. A greener Kashmir is the foundation of a sustainable tourism industry.”
Praising the efforts of Manzoor Wangnoo and his NLCO team, Raja underlined the need for concerted, practical, and focused measures to preserve the environment.
He stressed that civil society, particularly the younger generation, must play a proactive role in this endeavour. The plantation witnessed overwhelming participation, particularly from BEI school students, who enthusiastically joined hands with professors, teachers, and volunteers to plant hundreds of saplings across Khimber.
The drive symbolised a collective resolve to turn Khimber green and revive its natural heritage.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman of NLCO, Manzoor Wangnoo, thanked all collaborators and participants, especially the young students, saying, “We all have to do our bit. Plant by plant, effort by effort, we can increase the green cover of Kashmir. Today’s drive proves that when people unite, nature heals.”
The event concluded with renewed determination and a shared pledge to protect and expand Kashmir’s green spaces, ensuring a healthier environment and sustainable future. The event saw the presence of senior officials and experts including former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests J&K, S F A Gillani; former Secretary JKBOSE, Farooq A Peer; President TAAK, Farooq Kuthoo; social activist, Raja Muzaffar; President PSAJK, Ghulam Nabi Var; Dean Alumni NIT Srinagar, Prof M A Shah; University of Kashmir’s Shahnawaz; President KHBOA, Manzoor Pakhtoon; lawyer Nadeem Qadri; State Convenor RTSOI, Peerzada Faiyaz; President DTOAK, Mushtaq Reshi; Chairman TAFI, Burhan Misgar; University of Kashmir’s Abdul Rashid; Vice President TAFOK, Nazir Wani; General Convenor PHD Chamber Kashmir, Bilal Kawosa; faculty member SKUAST-K, S A Banday, along with faculty members of NIT Srinagar, University of Kashmir.
The plantation drive was jointly organised by JKLCMA and NLCO, in collaboration with NIT Srinagar, J&K Tourism, TAAK, TAFI, IATO, JKHC, NTTA, Green Valley School, Bilaliya Educational Institute, DTOAK, UTTA, TTIG, TAFOK, RTSOI, Crescent Public School, ATOAK, KHBOA, TAAI, and Birla Open Minds School, Pampore.
