Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!š Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. KATRA: Affirming its commitment to environmental sustainability, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) today launched a plantation drive at Government Middle School (GMS), Panthal, Katra. The event brought together officials from SMVDSB and its allied Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), PRI members, educators, students, and local residents as part of the Boardās broader mission to promote eco-conscious practices in the revered Trikuta Hills region.
The initiative included the ceremonial planting of saplings in and around the GMS Panthal campus, which has been adopted by SMVDIME under its Family Adoption Programme. A variety of indigenous, environment-friendly medicinal and fruit-bearing plants were planted to enhance air quality and beautify the surroundings.
Addressing the participants, Alok Kumar Maurya, Additional Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, reiterated the Board's dedication to environmental conservation under the guidance of Shri Manoj Sinha, Honāble Chairman, SMVDSB (Lt. Governor, JK-UT). He informed that as part of the Annual Green Plan 2025ā26, the Shrine Board is undertaking the plantation of over one lakh high-quality native forestry seedlings across the Shrine area on Trikuta Hills. These plants, raised in the Shrine Boardās high-tech nursery, are also made available to the public at Katra and Jammu to encourage broader community participation.
He further shared that drone technology is being employed for aerial seed dispersal, enabling afforestation in remote and inaccessible areas of the Trikuta Hills. The Addl. CEO emphasized that the plantation drive not only supports the development of green zones but also strengthens eco-education among students and the local community. He appreciated the enthusiastic participation of the students and faculty of GMS Panthal, the SMVDIME team led by the Executive Director, ACF, along with officials from the Forest Wing of SMVDSB, and the local villagers.
To promote creativity and environmental awareness, a painting competition on the theme āEk Ped Maa Ke Naamā was also organized for students. The event concluded with the distribution of various plant saplings to participants and the provision of hygienic refreshments, reinforcing community involvement in sustainability initiatives.