KATRA: Continuing its initiatives aimed at promoting environmental conservation and enhancing green cover, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) today organized a plantation drive along an extensive stretch of the periphery of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Kakryal.
During the drive, over 100 fruit-bearing saplings, including Lemon, Mango, Mosambi, Kinnow, Apple, Guava, Jackfruit, Litchi, Chikoo and Amla, were planted at identified locations. The initiative also involved extensive de-weeding and cleaning of the surrounding premises to improve the overall cleanliness, upkeep and aesthetic appeal of the area.
The plantation drive was formally launched by Shri Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB in the presence of Shri Alok Kumar Maurya, Addl. Chief Executive Officer; Shri Pawan Kumar Goswami, Dy. Chief Executive Officer; Dr. Yashpal Sharma, Facility Director, Narayana Hospital; Shri Vinay Khajuria, ACF; besides other senior officers of the Shrine Board, officials and staff of Narayana Hospital and the College of Nursing.
The Annual Green Plan 2026ā27, approved by the Board under the chairmanship of Shri Manoj Sinha, Honāble Lt. Governor, JK-UT, the Shrine Board has envisaged the plantation of 1,87,000 quality forestry seedlings in the Shrine area. Of these, 1,25,000 seedlings have already been planted, while the remaining 62,000 are scheduled to be planted during the forthcoming winter season.
Further, reaffirming its commitment to environmental sustainability, the Shrine Board has undertaken several eco-friendly initiatives encompassing waste and water management, solar power generation and the use of drone technology for seed dispersal to preserve the natural grandeur of the Shrine area. To promote environmental awareness and encourage greater public participation in enhancing green cover, the Board has also raised quality saplings at its hi-tech nursery located at Village Kunia for distribution among the general public. The plantation drive is expected to further enrich the green cover along the periphery of Narayana Hospital while enhancing the overall greenery and aesthetic appeal of the area.


