Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment, Choudhary Lal Singh today inaugurated a plantation drive in which around three lakh trees will be planted at Gulmarg.The plantation drive is jointly initiated by Forest Department, J&K Hoteliers Club (Gulmarg Chapter) and Gulmarg Development Authority in collaboration with J&K Police, J&K Tourism, J&K Cable Car Corporation and Gulmarg Municipal Corporation.On the occasion, MLA Gulmarg Mohammad Abbas Wani, Principal Chief Conservator Forest Ravi Kumar Kesar, Director Tourism Kashmir Mahmood A Shah, Chief Conservator Forest Kashmir Nisar Ahmad and other concerned, besides President Hoteliers Club Mukhtair Ahmad Shah and other hoteliers were present.The Minister while planting conifer saplings at various places in the area said that the ongoing season is the best time for plantation of saplings in Gulmarg. He directed the officials to deploy dedicated staff at Gulmarg for ensuring timely completion of the plantation drive and said he would monitor the progress of drive personally.
Among the total of three lakh trees that will be planted this winter, the Minister said that the main focus of the Department would be on the plantation of conifer trees as these trees remain green throughout the year adding to the beauty of Gulmarg.While quoting the most famous quote of Kashmiri saint Sheikh Noor ud-Din Wali (Nund Rishi), “Ann poshiteliyeliwannposhi" which means “Food will last as long as forests last”, the Minister said all the religions preach the message of environmental conservation.He directed the Forest Department to inscribe words “Ann poshiteliyeliwannposhi” on every new banner of the Department in Kashmir.On the occasion, Lal Singh highlighted the importance of forests in day-to-day life. He stressed on the role of trees in maintaining balance in nature. He emphasized that the people should come forward and help in the plantation of more and more trees thus protecting green wealth for survival of mankind. He appealed the people to extend cooperation in promotion of plantation drives for overall good of the society.