SRINAGAR: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG), in collaboration with SKAL International Kashmir and Government Boys Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Beerwa, carried out a large-scale plantation drive in the Rathsun area of Beerwa in central Kashmir’s Budgam district.
The drive, held under the theme “Planting Today, Sustaining Tomorrow,” was conducted on a partly barren hill, where participants planted around 1,100 conifer saplings, including pine, fir and other species suited to the hilly terrain.
The initiative was led by EPG Convenor Faiz Bakshi and witnessed participation from SKAL International Kashmir President Zahoor Qari and GHSS Beerwa Principal Sarwar Bukhari. Faculty members, students, and volunteers from the three organisations also took part in the programme.
Organisers highlighted that parts of the 1,800 kanal area have already seen vegetation growth due to earlier plantation efforts. Notably, journalist Rifat Abdullah had planted a significant number of conifers in the area a few years ago, many of which have since matured and contributed to green cover.
EPG members said that large-scale afforestation initiatives are essential to mitigate the effects of climate change and global warming, which are increasingly impacting the region.
On the occasion, participants also carried out a cleanliness drive, collecting substantial quantities of garbage from the site and spreading awareness among locals about maintaining environmental hygiene.
Among those present were GCC member Mushtaq Ahmad Wani, members of SKAL International Kashmir, and staff and students of GHSS Beerwa.
The organisers said similar plantation drives will be undertaken in other parts of Jammu and Kashmir in the coming days.
