Participates in ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ plantation drive at Shiv Temple, Kathua
DH NEWS SERVICE
jammu, Aug 13
In a spirited display of commitment to environmental conservation and community development, BJP Jammu and Kashmir State Secretary Pawan Sharma today actively participated in a tree plantation ceremony at Shiv Temple, Gandyal Panchayat, Kathua, under the leadership of Smt. Suman Bala, President, Lakhanpur Mandal and coordinated by Shingara Singh District President Minority Morcha and Akshay Bharti, former District secretary Kathua. The event formed part of the nationwide campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, inspired by the call of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to connect every citizen with the cause of a greener India.
Addressing on the occasion Sharma said, “The ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative is not just a plantation drive — it is an emotional bond with our roots. When we plant a tree in the name of our mother, we plant a living tribute that will serve the environment for decades.”
Sharma took the occasion to remind the people of the transformation Gandyal Panchayat has witnessed in the past decade. “This panchayat remained neglected by successive state governments for decades. It was only after Modi Ji took charge in 2014 that long-pending dreams began to turn into reality. Thanks to the initiative of Dr. Jitendra Singh, MoS PMO and our MP from Udhampur–Kathua, a ?165 crore mega project was sanctioned, connecting Keediyan and Gandyal panchayats with Kathua district headquarters. This has not just improved connectivity, but has also boosted local trade, transport, and livelihood opportunities,” he said.
Praising the vision of Prime Minister Modi, Sharma added, “Under Modi Ji’s leadership, villages like Gandyal are no longer forgotten dots on the map. They are now part of India’s growth story. This is true ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas’ in action.”
Residents of the panchayat expressed heartfelt gratitude to the central leadership for the unprecedented focus on infrastructure, environment, and rural empowerment. The event concluded with participants taking a pledge to plant and protect more trees, ensuring that the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ movement becomes a permanent habit rather than a one-day event.
