Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu: DD, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Boys’ Hostel, University of Jammu, in collaboration with INTACH Jammu Chapter and Panch Parivartan NGO, conducted a plantation drive as part of the Vanmahotsav celebrations at the hostel premises.
The Urban Forestry Division, Jammu, along with the Sanitation, Floriculture, and Health Divisions of the Jammu Municipal Corporation, actively collaborated in organizing the event. Dr. Rajesh Sharma, Warden, SBSBH (Assistant Professor, Department of Buddhist Studies), coordinated the programme.
Dr. S.P. Vaid (IPS Retd.), former Director General of Police, J&K, was the Chief Guest. Various species of tree saplings were planted, including Sita Ashok, Tecoma, Panjtara, Chinese Rose, Mango, Chinar, Silver Oak, and Temple Tree, among others. The chief guest planted a sampling of the Ginkgo biloba, also known as the “living fossil”, regarded as the oldest surviving tree species in the world.
In his welcome address, Prof. Lalit Sen Sharma, Provost, Boys’ Hostels, emphasized the need for environmental conservation and highlighted the vital role of flora. In his address, Dr. Vaid underscored the importance of planting more trees to mitigate the adverse environmental impacts of rapid development.
He stressed that if every citizen planted at least five trees, it would result in crores of new trees, significantly benefiting the environment.
O.P. Sharma (IFS Retd.) spoke about the therapeutic value of trees and their importance in our lives and culture. Prof. Anil Raina elaborated on the deteriorating state of the environment due to forest degradation.
Bharti Vaid (IIS Retd.) called upon all citizens to make environment conservation and plantation drives a mass movement.
S.M. Sahni (JKAS Retd.), Convenor, INTACH Jammu Chapter, spoke about the sweeping changes that Jammu city has undergone over the past few decades, often at the expense of green cover.
C.M. Seth (IFS Retd.), in his vote of thanks, emphasized the pressing need for afforestation, given the alarming environmental changes being witnessed today.
Other dignitaries present at the event included Ashwini Kumar, DFO Urban Forestry; Er. Ashok Kapoor; Ajay Gandotra, Senior Advocate; Dr. Sudarshan Sharma, DG, DRDO (Retd.); Arvind Kotwal (JKAS Retd.); Prof. Rajeshwar Verma; H.R. Dogra, Advocate; Dr. Divya Sharma, MVO and Incharge IEC, JMC; and Rabia Khan, AFO, JMC.DD
