The Forest department, in collaboration with District Administration Rajouri today created Saim Smith Amrit Vatika here at village Saim Smith under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.As many as 75 saplings were planted during the event under the ‘Har Goan Hariyali' initiative.
Advocate Naseem Liaquat, Chairman District Development Council Rajouri; Vikas Kundal, District Development Commissioner Rajouri; Dr Arshdeep Singh, Divisional Forest Officer Rajouri; Pawan Parihar, Additional District Development Commissioner Rajouri, Officers from District Administration Rajouri, Forest Department, school children and others participated in the event.
The Divisional Forest Officer, while welcoming the participants, said that a special tree plantation drive has been conducted under the aegis of ‘Azadi ki Amrit Mahotsav’ to commemorate the country’s 75 years of Independence.
"As a part of this initiative, 75 tall and healthy plants will be planted at Saim Smith, and we have named it as "Saim Smith Amrit Vatika" he said. Similar drive was also conducted at Nowshera forest Division, informed the DFO Rajouri.
He also highlighted that the department has planted around 4.5 lakh saplings in the district under the initiative "Har Goan Hariyali'' and J&k Green drive.In his address, the District Development Council Chairman, Chowdhury Naseem Liaqat said that the Government has taken a slew of measures to enhance the green cover and people's cooperation is a must in this regard.
While appreciating the efforts of the staff of the Forest Department for putting in strenuous efforts for enhancing the green cover of the district, he urged them to keep working with the same zeal.
He asked the stakeholder departments to take proactive steps to encourage common people to participate in plantation drives. “There is immediate need to raise awareness among public about the importance of plantation in combating climate change” he added.
District Development Commissioner Rajouri, Vikas Kundal highlighted the importance of the plantation saying that it the one of the major tools to improve the environment for good.Stressing on the need to realize the importance of respecting and protecting green wealth and the rich flora for the future generations, he urged upon the common masses to come forward and join the movement.
“Deforestation is worrying and the need of the hour is to bring more and more people together to grow and save forests for our present and future generations” he said.The DDC Member Rajouri, Sai Abdul Rashid also highlighted the importance of plants in maintaining oxygen balance and urged the public to plant more and more plants on their land.