SRINAGAR: The International Day of Forests was celebrated across Jammu and Kashmir on 21st of March 2021.
On the occasion, the Department of Social Forestry held various awareness programmes, debates, quiz, drawing, essay and painting competitions and planted thousands of plants at different locations in collaboration with public, civil society, students, senior citizens, security forces, NGOs, Panahcyats, Police, District Administration and other Line Departments.
The theme for this year’s International day of Forests was ‘Forest Restoration: A Path to Recovery and Well-Being’. Meanwhile, mega and impressive functions were held at Amar Singh College (Srinagar), Eco-Park Shikargah (Pulwama), Waripora (Kupwara), Khiram, Bijbehara, Rambirpora, Mattan, Srigufwara (Anantang), Chuntimulla, Boothe, Pattan (Baramulla), GMS Sonarwani, GGHS Ajas (Bandipora), Patoli Road, Roopnagar, Muthi, Chinore, R.S.Pora (Jammu), GHS Prem Nagar (Doda), Dramani, Raj Bagh, Basholi (Kathua), GHS, Manyal Gali (Rajouri), Maitra, Alinder (Ramban), HSS, Sheildra, GDC Boys Hostel (Poonch) and GMS, Boys & Girls, Majalta (Udhampur). It was given out that the celebrations were intended to foster and re-endorse our appreciation for earth’s kindness and care, and also raise awareness about the issues that threaten beloved planet’s health and environment.
Besides, it was also aimed at spreading information, awareness and concern for maintaining the sustainable capacity of mother earth in nurturing us. The philosophy behind observing the day is that ordinary people, acting together, can achieve extraordinary feats.
During this year, the department has also celebrated ‘Forestry Week’ from 14th to 21st March, 2021 where more than 70,000 plants were planted on a voluntary basis throughout J&K over and above regular plans.