Budgam, April 2: A major plantation drive aimed at restoring green cover and addressing climate change concerns was carried out on a partly barren hilltop in Rathsun area of Beerwa in Budgam district.
The initiative, titled “Planting Today, Sustaining Tomorrow,” was organised by the Environmental Policy Group (EPG) in collaboration with SKAL International Kashmir and Government Boys Higher Secondary School Beerwa.
The drive was led by EPG Convenor Faiz Bakshi and saw participation from SKAL Kashmir President Zahoor Qari and school principal Sarwar Bukhari, along with students, faculty members, and civil society participants.
1,100 Conifer Saplings Planted
As part of the drive, around 1,100 conifer saplings—including pine, fir, and other species suited to hilly terrain—were planted across the site. The plantation effort aims to rehabilitate the degraded landscape and expand green cover in the region.
Organisers noted that the area has already seen earlier afforestation efforts by noted journalist Rifat Abdullah, whose plantation of conifers a few years ago has successfully covered parts of the over 1,800-kanal hill stretch.
Focus on Climate Action and Community Awareness
EPG representatives highlighted that large-scale plantation initiatives are essential to mitigating the effects of climate change and global warming, which are increasingly impacting Jammu and Kashmir with serious ecological consequences.
Alongside the plantation drive, participants also conducted a cleanliness अभियान, collecting significant quantities of waste scattered across the hilltop. Locals were urged to maintain cleanliness and support conservation efforts.
The event was attended by members of EPG, including GCC member Mushtaq Ahmad Wani, SKAL members, and students of GHSS Beerwa.
More Drives Planned
Organisers said similar plantation programmes will be carried out in the coming days in collaboration with partner organisations, as part of a broader effort to promote environmental sustainability and community participation in conservation initiatives across Jammu & Kashmir.
