Poonch, Rajouri and Reasi : 22 Mar 2025: Indian Army has been embarking upon accelerated Afforestation Drive to ensure preservation of Earth and counter rapid deforestation and promote ecological balance in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. Recognising the importance of preserving natural resources and ensuring a cleaner, greener future, Indian Army organised Afforestation Drives at Samote, Mastandhara, Batsiyala, Loran, on the occasion of World Forest Day. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about the critical role forests play in sustaining life and mitigating the adverse effects of deforestation and climate change.
The ‘Afforestation Drives’ witnessed overwhelming participation from 26 service personnel and 71 local residents, 77 Students, reflecting the shared commitment towards environmental preservation. A total of 120 saplings of various tree species including Bamboo, Acacia Glauca, Senegalia Catechu (Khair), were carefully planted across the region. The species were chosen for their ecological benefits, such as preventing soil erosion, improving air quality and enhancing biodiversity. The drives also served as an opportunity to educate the local population on the long-term advantages of afforestation, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to protect and expand green cover. ‘Afforestation Drives’ were a grand successful event since it not only created a mass awareness amongst the local populace but also laid emphasis on conservation of nature and natural resources.
The AWAM appreciated the noble initiative undertaken by the Indian Army for nature preservation and pledged to take care of each sapling by adopting it and caring it in future till it bears result.
