Srinagar, April 2: A plantation drive aimed at tackling air pollution and enhancing green cover was held at Amar Singh College on Thursday, bringing together educational institutions, healthcare professionals, and civil society groups under a joint environmental initiative.
The programme, titled “Green Campus for Clean Air,” was organised by the college in collaboration with PARAS Health and spearheaded by the NGO Kashmir Concern. The event witnessed wide participation from academicians, environmentalists, students, and volunteers, reflecting growing concern over environmental degradation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Dignitaries Lead Plantation Effort
The plantation drive was formally inaugurated by Principal Ajaz Hakak, alongside Director PARAS Health Murtuza Habib and Chairman Kashmir Concern Touseef Bhatt. Several other prominent figures from academia, administration, healthcare, tourism, and civil society also participated in the initiative.
Forest officials, media representatives, entrepreneurs, and youth volunteers were actively involved in planting saplings across the campus.
Focus on Environment and Public Health
Speaking at the event, Touseef Bhatt said the initiative marked a collective step towards a healthier and greener Kashmir. He highlighted that institutional collaboration was key to addressing environmental challenges and ensuring sustainable development.
Ajaz Hakak reiterated the college’s commitment to environmental stewardship, while Murtuza Habib stressed the direct link between green cover and improved public health outcomes.
Hundreds of Saplings Planted
During the drive, hundreds of native saplings—including fruit-bearing and flowering plants as well as ornamental species such as golden cypress—were planted across the campus. The effort saw enthusiastic participation from students, volunteers, and members of civil society.
Organisers said the initiative aligns with broader climate action goals and aims to promote awareness about the importance of green spaces in urban areas.
The event concluded with a call for sustained community engagement and institutional partnerships to address environmental concerns and preserve the ecological balance in Jammu and Kashmir.
