Tourism Directorate Jammu holds series of plantation drives on World Environment Day

Jammu: In connection with World Environment Day, Directorate of Tourism, Jammu organized plantation drives at various locations of Jammu region.

On this occasion, Director Tourism Jammu, Vivekanand Rai, kick-started the plantation drive at YatriNiwas- Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu. Similar plantation drives were held at various other locations like Mansar, Patnitop, Katra, Rajouri, Kishtwar.

Speaking on the occasion the Director said “Amidst the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic that has put a halt to human activities and travelling, it is now essential for the Tourism industry and destinations to rethink sustainability and take regenerative actions. Beyond World Environment Day it is the responsibility of each of us to be more mindful of our daily actions and decisions to minimize impact on the ecosystem”.

Fringed by lush green vibrant forest covered hills, Mansar and Surinsar are the most majestic lakes in the entire region. The twin lakes harbor a rich variety of wildlife and other bio-diversity.

Meanwhile, the plantation drive at Mansar was conducted by the Office of Surinsar-Mansar Development Authority. Dr. GurvinderJit Singh, CEO, SMDA said “Surinsar-Mansar region is one such vibrant eco-system which has rich biodiversity of all forms. He said “The number one asset of Tourism is the country’s Natural resources and Tourism establishments have a key role in conserving them”.

To encourage people to respect nature and its allure an interaction cum cleanliness drive along with plantation drive was organized by the Patnitop Development Authority and ADT NHW, Batote.

Also, a similar plantation drive was organized by the office of ADT Katra at Hr. Sec. School, Katra where around 100 plants have been planted in Katra block in collaboration with the Horticulture Department. Also a special drive for tree plantation was held at TRC, Rajouri.

Likewise, a plantation drive was conducted by Kishtwar Development Authority in collaboration with the Forest Department and local Army unit at TRC, Chatroo. On the occasion the CEO, Kishtwar Development Authority, DFO Chatroo range and local Army Officer briefed the locals and staff members about the importance and benefits of plants for humans, animals and to maintain ecological balance.

Further, Director Tourism, Jammu advised all the participants of the plantation drive to look after the plants they have planted so that they grow well into lofty trees.