Ganderbal, March 21: On the occasion of World Forestry Day, March 21st, the picturesque Chattergul Bala, nestled at the foothills of Mount Harmukh became the stage for a unique blend of environmental conservation and electoral awareness.
The event was organized by the DFO Sind Forest Division Ganderbal and the Nodal Officer SVEEP Ganderbal. An awareness program emphasized the intertwined nature of a clean environment and robust democracy.
The program was inaugurated by the AD Forest Protection Force and saw active participation from DLMTs of the Election Cell Ganderbal. They drew a compelling parallel between the nurturing of democracy and the environment, stating, “Vote is our weapon to protect democracy, and plants are natural machines to protect our environment.” The focus on engaging new voters, particularly emphasizing the convenience of postal ballots for those above 85 years, was received with visible appreciation by the audience.
Local tribal communities, officers from the Sind Forest Division, the Forest Protection Police, BLOs, and others came together in this vibrant event.
The day was filled with traditional Kashmiri music and dance, echoing the region’s rich cultural heritage. This celebration of nature and democracy was punctuated by a symbolic march and culminated in a plantation drive, reinforcing the message of growth and participation in both the natural and democratic spheres.
The convergence of World Forestry Day with voter awareness in Chattergul Bala highlights a significant step towards fostering a conscious and active community, committed to protecting and nurturing the environment and democracy alike.