Bhaderwah/Jammu, Dec 30 – In a bid to augment the green cover, a special plantation drive titled ‘Green Earth, Happy Earth’ was initiated at renowned high-altitude tourist spots in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district, as per an official statement on Saturday.
The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Chander Shekhar, along with officials from the Chirala and Neeru range of the Bhadarwah forest division, commenced the drive by planting 500 cedar saplings and four chinar trees at the high-altitude meadow, Jaie Valley, situated at an elevation of 7,800 ft above sea level, the official stated.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Bhaderwah Dilmir Choudhary and Superintendent of Police Vinod Sharma also actively participated in the special afforestation initiative.
“The drive is primarily to increase the green cover of the high-altitude meadows which are becoming immensely popular and attracting tourists in large numbers,” Shekhar conveyed to PTI.
He emphasized that eco-tourism is gaining prominence in the tourism industry, with more tourists preferring to visit alpine meadows to connect with nature. “By planting majestic cedar and chinar trees, we want to make their experience even better,” he added.
Welcoming the drive, Choudhary expressed confidence that it would encourage institutional plantation on a larger scale and contribute to the restoration of the ecology and environment in the area. The ADC also urged offices and educational institutions to adopt the resolution of planting saplings and ensuring the care of at least one tree in 2024.
