World Earth Day celebrated with Mega Lavender Plantation Drive at BEI, Khimber, supports LG Manoj Sinha’s drug-free society

• Plantation Drives and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan Reflect Shared Responsibility: Naseer Wani Director DESK
• From Green Drives to Drug-Free Society, Collective Action is the Need of the Hour: Peer Zahid Dy. Director Tourism Deptt.
• Community Participation Vital For Environment And Anti-Drug Campaign: NLCO Chairman

SRINAGAR: Marking the observance of World Earth Day, the Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation (NLCO) on Wednesday organized a Mega Lavender Plantation Drive at the campus of Bilaliya Educational Institute (BEI), Khimber, delivering a powerful message of environmental responsibility alongside a firm call for a drug-free society under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.

The programme, held in collaboration with Bilaliya Educational Institute (BEI), witnessed active association of several key government departments including the Department of Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA), Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) and the Forest Protection Force. The initiative also brought together a wide spectrum of educational institutions, trade bodies, tourism stakeholders and civil society organisations, reflecting a strong spirit of collective action.

Among the prominent participants were representatives from Crescent Public School (CPS), Government Higher Secondary School Rainawari, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCC&I) led by President Javaid Tenga, Tourist Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) President Farooq Ahmad Kuthoo, Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) J&K Chapter, Indian Association of Tour Operators, TASK, RTSOI, NTTA, JKTA, KHBOA, TTIG, SKAL Kashmir, and the Private Schools Association of Jammu & Kashmir. Eminent personalities including Principal GHSS Rainawari Rozy Qureshi, former BOSE Secretary Farooq Ahmad Peer and noted social activist Raja Muzaffar and various others dignitaries also participated in the event.

The plantation drive witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, faculty members, volunteers and citizens from different walks of life. Lavender saplings were planted across the campus by dignitaries and participants, symbolizing a shared commitment towards ecological preservation and sustainable development.

The event was presided over by Director School Education Kashmir (DSEK), Naseer Ahmad Wani, who attended as the Chief Guest. In his address, he underscored the ecological as well as economic significance of plantation drives, particularly highlighting the potential of lavender cultivation in generating livelihood opportunities. He called for sustained community engagement in environmental initiatives and stressed that awareness at the grassroots level is key to long-term impact.

Expressing concern over the rising menace of drug abuse, the Chief Guest urged parents, educators and society at large to remain vigilant and proactive. He emphasized that youth must be guided towards constructive activities and made aware of the harmful consequences of substance abuse.

Deputy Director Tourism, Peer Zahid Ahmad, highlighted the growing linkage between environmental conservation and sustainable tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. He noted that initiatives like lavender plantation not only enhance the aesthetic and ecological value of destinations but also open avenues for eco-tourism and local entrepreneurship. He stressed that preserving natural assets is essential for maintaining the region’s tourism potential while simultaneously promoting responsible societal values.

Chairman NLCO, Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo, expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, participating departments and various organisations for their cooperation and active involvement. He appreciated the enthusiastic participation of students and acknowledged the support of the BEI management and NLCO team in ensuring the successful execution of the programme.

He reiterated NLCO’s continued commitment towards environmental conservation and social awareness campaigns, stating that such initiatives must also serve as platforms to address pressing societal challenges. Referring to the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, he said the organisation fully supports and welcomes the mission led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to build a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized that eliminating drug abuse requires sustained awareness, strong community participation and coordinated efforts at all levels.

He further stressed that building a drug-free society is a collective responsibility, urging educational institutions, civil society, parents and youth to actively contribute towards this mission. He added that promoting positive engagement, awareness, and responsible behaviour among young people is essential to safeguard their future and ensure a healthy, progressive society.

Dr. Khursheed, while elaborating on the concept of lavender plantation, explained that lavender is not only environmentally beneficial but also economically viable due to its use in essential oils, aromatherapy and allied industries. He described it as a high-value crop suited to the region’s climatic conditions and emphasized that its cultivation can serve as an alternative livelihood for rural communities while contributing to environmental sustainability.

Principal of Bilaliya Educational Institute, in the vote of thanks, extended appreciation to all dignitaries, departments and participants for making the event meaningful and impactful. He especially lauded the efforts of students and volunteers whose active participation added vibrancy to the programme.

The event also featured a focused awareness campaign on drug abuse, aligning with the objectives of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan being actively implemented in Jammu and Kashmir. Speakers collectively stressed the urgent need to address substance abuse through awareness, education and community-driven interventions. The programme concluded with a strong and unified message that environmental responsibility and social consciousness must go hand in hand to build a sustainable, healthy and drug-free society.