KATHUA: To mark the 65th Van Mahostsava, Forest Department, in collaboration with Department of Health, organised a plantation drive in the premises of District Hospital Kathua on Wednesday.
District Development Commissioner Kathua, Dr Shahid Iqbal Chaudhary was the Chief Guest on the occasion.
The drive was launched by DC by planting a sapling. The district officers, ANMT students, ASHA workers and staff of District Hospital also participated in the drive and planted various species of plants provided by the Forest Department.
The DDC, while speaking on the occasion, said the initiative of plantation in the premises of District Hospital is welcome move of the Forest and Health Departments. He called for maximum community participation in such plantation drives adding only massive plantation of trees can restore and enrich the ecology of the district. He said administration is keen to sensitise and motivate masses for plantations at Panchayat level.
“In coming days efforts will be made to register record plantation in the district involving every stakeholder of the society”, the DDC said.
The DDC asked Forest Department functionaries to hold frequent environment awareness activities involving school and college students. He informed that on the pattern of Reasi, Green Voter Campaign will be launched very soon in the district and Forest Department will play an important role in this regard.
Dr B Balaji, Divisional Forest Officer, Kathua Division while addressing the gathering, highlighted the significance of forests in maintaining ecological balance and environmental stability. He stressed that each and every individual by way of planting a tree every year can play a role of responsible citizen. He also informed that the division has kept 40,000 seedlings of Bamboo for free distribution among farmers.
Sagar Singh, DFO Social Forestry, spoke about the importance of tree planting. He highlighted the importance of trees outside forest area in the development of J and K economy.
Chief Medical Officer Dr R.K Sangra , highlighted the need for tree planting for cleaner environment and the role of trees in keeping the air cleaner.
Medical Superintendent, District Hospital Kathua Dr Manoj Bhagat presented vote of thanks. He said the hospital authorities will take up more such initiatives in times to come.