Commissioner Secretary Higher Education Department, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon, today chaired a meeting to review preparations for the upcoming plantation drive in the Colleges of Kashmir Division.Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Nodal Principal Kashmir Division Colleges, Chief Conservator Forests, Chief Engineer R&B, Director Rural Development, Regional Director Social Forestry, Principals of Valley Colleges and other concerned attended the meeting. The meeting was informed that 3000 saplings would be planted on campuses of Srinagar based Colleges, while as over 9000 saplings of different varieties shall be planted in Colleges of Shopian, Pulwama, Baramulla, Kulgam, Ganderbal, Budgam, Anantnag, Bandipora and Kupwara districts.
Further, a total of 12000 saplings of conifer, Budul, Deodar and willow will be planted in the low lying areas of the Division during the drive which will commence from March 13 with the collaboration of the Forest Department.On the occasion, the Commissioner Secretary directed for formulating a comprehensive action plan for effective plantation drive. He stressed the Principals to put in concerted efforts to give their Colleges more green cover by planting more and more saplings at all available spaces so that greenery is restored in their campus besides healthy and hygienic environment is build in surroundings.Dr. Samoon also directed the Principals to distribute plant saplings to every student so that they will plant it in their homes which will help in restoring ecological balance.He also called for create mass awareness among the students and masses through seminars and other related activities on the importance of planting more and more trees.