World Earth Day celebrated with massive plantation drive & spring restoration in Khimber, Srinagar

• Div Com Kashmir Vijay Bidhuri highlights the importance of environmental conservation and urges efforts to protect Kashmir’s natural resources
• NLCO leads massive green movement in collaboration with Forest Department and partner institutions
  

SRINAGAR: In a significant demonstration of commitment to environmental sustainability, the Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation (NLCO), In collaboration with the Forest Department and various schools, hosted a large-scale of Mega Plantation Drive at Bilaliya Educational Institute, Khimber, on the occasion of World Earth Day 2025.

The Chief Guest on the occasion was Vijay Kumar Bidhuri (IAS), Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, while Irfan Rasool (IFS), Chief Conservator of Forests Kashmir, attended as the Special Guest of Honour. Dr. G. N. Itoo, Director School Education Kashmir, also graced the event and planted a tree sapling, reaffirming the education sector’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

The event, which aimed to restore Kashmir’s green cover and promote ecological preservation, saw widespread participation from government officials, environmental activists, schools and local volunteers. A wide spectrum of stakeholders—tourist travel trade representatives, civil society, social activists, students and eco-volunteers—came together to plant hundreds of saplings, transforming the event into a large-scale celebration of environmental consciousness.

The theme of this drive was, “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, Ek Ped Papa Ke Naam Aur Ek Ped Mere Naam” ("One tree in mother’s name, one in father’s name and one tress for myself"), added an emotional and personal touch to the environmental mission, resonating deeply with participants from all walks of life.

Addressing the gathering, Div Com Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri lauded the plantation drive as a “timely and impactful intervention for the ecological well-being of Kashmir.” He acknowledged the continued and commendable efforts of NLCO Chairman Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo, particularly highlighting his leadership in the restoration of water bodies and springs across the Valley. He emphasized the crucial role of civil society in leading climate action and called NLCO’s initiatives “a model worth emulating.” He also inaugurated the restoration of Spring No. 12 at Khimber, Srinagar.

Chief Conservator of Forests Kashmir, Irfan Rasool, stated, “Kashmir’s forests are our lifeline, and it is our collective responsibility to protect and restore them. This Earth Day, we reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding our natural heritage for future generations.” NLCO Chairman Manzoor Wangnoo, in his address, thanked all participants and dignitaries, reiterating his organization’s hands-on approach: “At NLCO, we believe in practical work. Talking is not enough. It’s action on the ground that matters—and today was a reflection of that belief.”

Among the prominent attendees were Javed Tenga, President KCC&I, G.N.Var, President PSAJK, Farooq Ahmad Kuthoo, Past President TAAK, Shameem Ahmed Shah, President TAFI, Burhan Misgar, Secretary TAFI, Peerzada Fayaz Ahmad, Convenor RTSOI, Mushtaq Reshi, President DTOAK, Dr.M.A Shah, HoD Physics, NIT Sringar, Dr. Shahnawaz Ahmad Dar, University of Kashmir, Dr Wakar Amin, Director, NSS University of Kashmir, Dr Aijaz Ahmad Wani, NSS University of Kashmir, Farooq Ahmad Wani, NSS University of Kashmir, Gh. Mohammad, NSS University of Kashmir, Haji Muhammad Lateef Bhat, KCC&I, Fayaz Punjabi, KCC&I, Tawheed Ahmad Dewa,(IFS), Dr Mehraj Ahmad (SFS), Bashir Ahmad Malik, Forests , Tanveer Ahmad Bhat, Forests, Mohammad AslamBhat, KNS, Dr.Muzaffar Raja, Environmentalist & RTI Activist, Er. Abdul Rashid, University of Kashmir, Farooq Ahmad Gillani, IFS (Retd.) NLCO PATRON, Er lajaz Ahmad Naqashbandi, NLCO, Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Margoob, NLCO Patron, Dr. Touseef Ahmad, Kashmir Concern, Prem Pawa , Jan Muhammad Zargar, Dr. Lubna Khan, Tahir Peerzada and the Grand Son of G M Lone etc.

The initiative stood as a testament to Kashmir’s growing green consciousness and the power of collaboration between civil society and educational institutions. This Earth Day was not merely observed—it was lived, breathed and rooted in action. With every sapling planted, a new hope was sown for a greener, healthier Kashmir.