Details

Category: ENVIRONMENT

Published: 21 January 2020

• SSCL in collaboration with Forest department to distribute saplings for plantation across the district

SRINAGAR: Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary who is also the CEO Srinagar Smart City Limited or SSCL Tuesday said a massive plantation drive is being held again this year as part of the Green Srinagar Initiative launched last year in the district under the Smart City mission. The DC who was speaking in a meeting convened here with concerned departments said the drive will begin on March 15 adding that some 2 lakh saplings will be made available by the Forest department for plantation across the district as part of the greening initiative.

He said the saplings will be made available at distribution centres to be set up at different locations across the district adding that each distribution centre will be equipped with manpower and vehicles for processing orders for saplings and undertaking plantation activities in areas falling within their respective zones. The meeting was informed that plantation will be held in institutions and along institutional areas including schools and government offices and along roads and other public spaces across the district. It was informed that concerned Tehsildars will monitor plantation in their areas of jurisdictions.

Dr Shahid while speaking on the occasion said the aim of the project is to make Srinagar green in the truest sense involving meaningful and smart plantation and post-plantation maintenance to get the desired results. He said plantation under the initiative will be undertaken under mission mode and will continue for a full month. It was informed that a massive awareness campaign is being held to ensure substantial public participation in the initiative. It was also informed that various NGOs and environmental organisations are being roped in for the purpose.

Officers from Social Forestry, Urban Forestry, Soil Conservation, Roads & Buildings, Education Department and officials of Srinagar Smart City Limited attended the meeting. JD Planning Srinagar was also present. Green Srinagar Initiative is an ambitious greening initiative under which saplings of different kinds of plants are planted in institutional areas and avenues. Plants exposed to public or vehicular movements are also being tree-guarded under the initiative.