KNZ NEWS DESK
Bandipora, March 05: A massive tree plantation drive has been launched in Bandipora district with a target of planting 1.32 lakh saplings to increase the green cover and check soil erosions in the district.
The drive was launched by District Legal Services Authority in collaboration with Forest Department. The drive formally inaugurated by Secretary DLSA Iqbal Ahmad Akhoon with plantation of at least 1000 saplings on the deforested areas of shahab-ud-Din hills in the Bandipora town. Chief Agriculture Officer Bandipora, Chief Horticulture Officer Bandipora, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Civil society members also participated in the drive.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary DLSA Iqbal Ahmad Akhoon said they have set a target of planting 1.32 lakh plants this season across the district including 40260 broad leaved plants and 65340 conifers besides 13200 fruit bearing trees and 13200 medicinal plants.
While highlighting the importance of the green cover , he said the unchecked deforestation has lead to environmental disasters which include soil erosion. He said in Bandipora and its peripheries the deforestation besides disturbing ecosystem will have a horrible impact on the water bodies as the soil skids and gets deposited in the wullar lake that will have a severe impact in near future. He said plantation is the only solution to avoid such disasters. He stressed on the need to create awareness about the environment, plantation, water, air, animals and everything which encompasses ecology.
Concerned over the issue of global warming, he said the impact of global warming is felt world-over. In Kashmir itself, the effects of the global warming are felt with melting and shrinkage of glaciers, unwarranted floods, and unwarranted high temperature.
Civil society members, students, officials and Journalists also participated in the event by planting saplings on Shahab-ud-Din Hills. They said they have identified an eroded portion of Shahab-ud-Din hills and planted saplings that will be taken care of till needed. They said planting trees is the best form of charity at the time when world is witnessing drastic climate changes with Kashmir being no exception.
