Firdous Qadri
Srinagar: On the eve of World Arbor Day, a Mega Plantation drive was carried out at Amar Singh College, Srinagar on Sunday last. The event was jointly organized by Landscape Development Committee, Eco Club and NSS Unit of Amar Singh College and Department of Social Forestry, J&K.
Principal of the college, Prof. Bashir Ahmad Rather inaugurated the event with the plantation of a Conifer Sapling on the campus in presence of Regional Director Kashmir, Department of Social Forestry, Maraj Ud Din Malik and DFO, Social Forestry, Srinagar. A number of plants were planted on the campus jointly by officers of the college, NSS Student Volunteers and the Social Forestry Department. The drive shall continue to reach the target of planting at least 500 saplings of Conifers. The plantation Drive was followed by a seminar on this year’s theme “Forest Restoration: A Path to Recovery & Well-Being”.
Principal of the college, Prof. Bashir Ahmad Rather, in his inaugural address, deliberated in detail the importance of the trees for the survival of the life on this green planet. He argued that every individual is responsible to safeguard the trees. He also stressed upon the need to preserve native plant species.
He urged that student community has a greater role to play and should be involved in such activities. He appreciated the initiative of Social Forestry Department and thanked them for starting the plantation drive from the Lead College of the valley.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Guest of the event, Regional Director Kashmir, Social Forestry Department, Maraj-Ud-Din Malik, threw a detailed light on the historical background & importance of the day.
Highlighting the achievements of the department, he added that government has launched “Green J&K Drive” to propagate plantation throughout the valley.
Quoting a many verses from the Holy Quran, sayings of Prophet SAW Saints and Reshis, he emphasized that plantation is the only way to safeguard our environment from various manmade disasters.
DFO, Social Forestry, Srinagar, Mr. Tanveer Ahmad praised the role of the NSS Volunteers and the college authorities for active participation in the event. He offered his all time services for the beautification of the campus and expressed his desire of making available more saplings and trees.
At the outset of the seminar, Convener Landscape Development Committee, Prof. Kousar Parveen in her welcome cum introductory note emphasized upon the significance of the tress and role of individual in the conservation of environment.
The event was also attended by Senior faculty Prof. Maqsood Hussain, Prof. Mujeeb Ahmad, President CTA, Prof. Tariq Ashai, NSS Programme Officer Dr. Shabeena Kuttay, Convener Hospitality & Protocol, Dr. Kousar Muzamil, faculty from the Department of Environmental Science & Department of Botany, members of Landscape Development Committee & Eco Club, non teaching members of the college and other officials of Social Forestry Department, with proper adherence to COVID-19 Protocol. Dr. Parvaiz Ahmad Dar, Department of Botany, presented the Vote of Thanks and conducted the proceedings of the seminar.
