Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu:DD, In a heartening tribute to nature and national heritage, the Chinar Eco Warriors, in close collaboration with the State Forest Department Jammu & Kashmir, organized an impactful Van Mahotsav celebration across key locations in Jammu.
The initiative underscores a renewed commitment to environmental sustainability, biodiversity and the cultural heritage of India’s green legacy.
Mass plantation drives in Dhalote, Koulpur and Patyari captured the interest of the community and engaged the younger generation.
The plantation drive brought together soldiers, forest officials, local administration, students and citizens in a remarkable display of civil-military synergy, sowing seeds of environmental stewardship and shared responsibility for a sustainable future.
This year’s drive went beyond traditional plantation efforts by introducing an educational component to rejuvenate public knowledge about significant tree species, both ecologically and historically. Notable highlights included:
Vertical Farming Demonstrations: In a bid to integrate modern eco-techniques, small-scale vertical farming modules were showcased to promote green solutions for urban and space-constrained areas.
Freedom Struggle Trees : Native trees linked to India’s independence movement-like the Dahiman, Juniuper, Banyan, Peepal etc under which freedom fighters gathered were planted to remind younger generations of their symbolic and historical significance.
Medicinal Heritage Trees : A wide variety of trees known for their healing and therapeutic properties such as Amla, Arjun, Neem etc were introduced into public spaces and educational institutions, reinforcing the wisdom of India’s ancient medicinal traditions.
Knowledge Awakening Zones : The campaign included interactive awareness sessions and curated Tree Talk by chief resource person Sh. OP Sharma Vidhyarthi, IFS (Retd), former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, J&K, an ardent environmentalist, presently member of JK Biodiversity and Wild Life Board and recipient of ‘Sahitya Academy Award’ for the Dogri Book ‘Trip Trip Chete’ educated the participants on the environmental, cultural, and strategic significance of tree species, transforming plantation into a celebration of living heritage.
Senior officials from the Forest Department echoed the sentiment, lauding the commitment of the Chinar Eco Warriors in advancing the goals of ecological security, public awareness, and climate resilience in the Himalayan region.
At the heart of this initiative was the relentless effort and leadership of Subedar Mohinder Singh whose dedication, grassroots coordination and passion for environmental stewardship were instrumental in the success of this multi-location campaign.
As monsoon showers grace the land, the Chinar Eco Warriors and the State Forest Department J&K pledge to continue this green crusade, ensuring that Jammu’s hills and plains bloom with renewed life and purpose.DD
