In connection with World Forestry Day,Deputy Commissioner, Baseer-ul-Haq Choudhary today launched a plantation drive here at Government Degree College.Superintendent of Police Dr Vinod Kumar, Divisional Forest Officer Muhammad Ali, Principal Degree College Prof Nassir Hussain Shabani, officers of Agriculture, Horticulture and allied departments and staff of the college were present on the occasion.The launching ceremony was also marked by the participation of girl students who planted saplings in the premises of the college along with the DC, SP, DFO and other officers.The plantation drive organized by the Forest Division Kargil in collaboration with Degree College would involve the plantation of saplings of different species like willow and Papular trees across the district.The administration has set a target of plantation of 1 Lakh saplings within a period of two months.In his address, the Deputy Commissioner said that the plantation drive has been launched to enhance green patches in the district which is presently only 0.05%. He said that the initiative will increase forest cover of the district and will also prove helpful in mitigating the ill effects of climate change and global warming.The DC urged the people especially students to work as ambassadors to carry forward the mission of plantation at their own level by planting saplings at schools, college and their homes. He stressed that every student should adopt a plant to assess its proper growth and development so as to enhance the chances of survival of the saplings.Meanwhile, the college management projected a number of demands seeking provision of playground, landscaping, early functioning of tribal girls’ hostel, construction of college auditorium and other related demands. The DC assured of requisite steps in this regard.Students also presented their views on the importance of afforestration for human survival and lessening the impact of climate change and global warming. They were awarded with.