Plastic-Free Forests campaign launched by DFO Budgam. RTI Movement, NLCO, TAAK hail initiative

Budgam: In a significant step towards environmental sustainability, the Pir Panjal Forest Division Budgam launched a comprehensive “Plastic Free Forests” campaign on the International Day of Conscience, observed annually on April 5. The campaign aims to promote ecological awareness, prevent forest fires, and encourage the use of indigenous and traditional knowledge systems for forest conservation.

The initiative was formally kicked off by Waseem Gul, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Pir Panjal Forest Division. Awareness drives were conducted across the Raithan Forest Range and Dood Ganga Range, particularly around the high-footfall tourist destinations of Doodhpathri, Yusmarg, and Nilnag.

The campaign saw active participation from the Forest Department, local communities, shopkeepers, and residents, who collectively pledged to reduce plastic usage and adopt eco-friendly alternatives.

“The primary objective of the campaign was to sensitize people about the adverse effects of plastic waste on forest ecosystems and wildlife, while also encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives in their daily lives and utilizing indigenous and traditional knowledge systems,” said DFO Waseem Gul.

Looking ahead, the campaign will be intensified during the upcoming tourist season. The Forest Division plans to involve local legislators, panchayati raj members, students, community leaders, senior citizens, religious figures, and environmental activists in a series of interactive sessions, cleanliness drives, and awareness programs across major forested tourist spots such as Yusmarg, Doodhpathri, Nilnag, and Tosamaidan.

“We plan to hold interactive sessions, demonstrations, and on-ground cleanliness drives, plus create awareness on waste-free forests and forest fire prevention among shopkeepers, dhaba owners, trekkers, locals, and students visiting these locations,” added DFO Waseem Gul.

The campaign not only emphasized the ecological significance of forests but also underscored the importance of individual conscience and collective responsibility in environmental conservation.

The initiative was widely appreciated by various civil society organizations and public figures. Among those who hailed the move were:

• Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat, Chairman, RTI Movement

• Haji Manzoor Wangnoo, Chairman, Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation (NLCO)

• Rauf Tramboo, President, Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK)

• Farooq Kuthoo, Executive Member, KCCI

• Sajad Rasool, Coordinator, Video Volunteers

• Nazrul Islam, Chairman, Life School Charar-i-Sharief

• Mehrajdin Andrabi, Director, Kashmir Hikes N Treks

• Rafiq Ahanger, Social Activist from Nilnag

• Mushtaq Ahmad Lone, Coordinator, RTI Movement Budgam

These leaders assured their full support to the Forest Division and stressed the need for sustained environmental stewardship.