MANU University celebrates International Forests Day, Conducts Mega Plantation drive
BUDGAM: International Day of Forests was celebrated with zeal and enthusiasm at MANU University Satellite Campus Patwaw, Budgam.
In this regard, a mega Plantation drive was organized at MANU University Campus in which 550 trees of Deodar and Kayur were planted.
The drive was organised by the JK Forest Department, Pir Panjal Division, Budgam in collaboration with MANU University.
The plantation drive was also attended by Regional Director, Dr Mohammad Aijaz Ashraf, Deputy Director FPF, Principals MANU ASCW, CTE, DFO Budgam, Faculty of MANU University besides scores of students from various schools.
Speaking on the occasion, the Regional Director said that such plantation drives are very crucial to increase Forest cover which will eventually ensure a balanced ecology, environment and climate.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Budgam Shahbaz Ahmed Mirza also launched a plantation drive at Beerwah, Budgam to mark the celebration of International Day of Forests.
Speaking on the occasion, the DC said that a massive campaign regarding afforestation is being conducted across length and breadth of the District to enhance Green Cover of the District. He urged upon youth to participate actively in these activities and converge it with Eco-tourism to increase footfall of tourists in the District.
District Forest Officer (DFO) Budgam, Mohammad Ashraf Katoo on the occasion said that the department’s target is to plant 1.2 lac trees this year. He said that the Forest Department is custodian of the Forests, in this regard the Department is actively pursuing afforestation to mitigate Global Environmental concerns.
J&K is blessed to have good Natural Forest cover of around 48% which is above the National average standing at 33%, the DFO remarked.
The DFO, further said that, Over the last one year, the Forest Department at Budgam has ensured that afforestation work is carried out in all 294 Panchayat Halqas across the District.
The DFO appealed and urged upon the public and participating students that its their social and moral responsibility to protect and preserve forests for the larger interest of society.