SRINAGAR: The Social Forestry Department in collaboration with Border Security Force (BSF) organized a function at Humhama today to celebrate International Day of Forests. The Day is celebrated to raise awareness of forests and trees. Chief Conservator of Forests Kashmir, Nisar Ahmad was the chief guest at the function which was also attended by DIG/PSO BSF, S. C. Budakoti, Regional Director Social Forestry Department, Tawheed Ahmad Deva, District Development Commissioner Budgam, Harun Malik, officers of the Forest Department and other concerned.
It was said that Department of Social Forestry, Kashmir is planting 6.50 lakh plants under various schemes, while as 3.50 lakh plants are being distributed in the valley under farm forestry among farmers and various institutions. The department has carried a massive plantation and awareness programme in schools in collaboration with education department by carrying plantation drives in schools of the valley during which more than 1 lakh plants of various species were planted.
It was given out that BSF have launched a major plantation drive in Kashmir, wherein more than 2500 saplings of different plant species, mostly fruit bearing were planted at BSF Humhama campus. On the occasion, speakers stressed the need for protection of forests and increase in green vegetative cover by planting more plants and involving people and students in the endeavour. Later, a debate competition and cultural programmes were presented by participating students.