Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 11: Stressing the urgent need for environmental action, a collaborative green initiative at the University of Jammu’s Old Campus evolved into a strong appeal for making environmental conservation a people’s movement.
The event was jointly organized by the INTACH Jammu chapter, University of Jammu, and NGO Panch Parivartan, with support from the Urban Forestry Division and the Sanitation, Floriculture and Health Divisions of Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC).
Dr SP Vaid, former J&K DGP, was the chief guest and planted a sapling of Ginkgo biloba, often termed the “living fossil”-the oldest surviving tree species on Earth. In his address, Dr Vaid stressed the importance of tree plantation in combating environmental degradation and said that if every citizen planted just five trees, it would result in crores of new trees nationwide.
Prof Lalit Sen, Provost, Boys Hostel, in his address, underlined the importance of flora in maintaining ecological balance. The event was coordinated by Dr Rajesh Sharma, Assistant Professor of Buddhist Studies and Warden of the Boys Hostel.
Bharti Vaid (Retd IIS) called for making environmental protection and plantation drives a mass movement while O P Sharma (Retd IFS) highlighted the therapeutic and cultural significance of trees. Prof Anil Raina drew attention to the deteriorating environmental condition due to forest degradation.
S M Sahni, convener, INTACH Jammu chapter, spoke about the sweeping environmental changes Jammu has witnessed due to urbanization. C M Seth (Retd IFS) delivered the vote of thanks and emphasized the need for urgent afforestation.
Prominent attendees included Ashwini Kumar, Divisional Forest Officer, Urban Forestry; Ashok Kapoor; Ajay Gandotra, Senior Advocate; Dr Sudarshan Sharma, Retired Director General, DRDO; Arvind Kotwal (JKAS Retd); Prof Rajeshwar Verma; HR Dogra, Advocate; Dr Divya Sharma, Municipal Veterinary Officer & Incharge IEC, JMC; and Rabia Khan, Assistant Floriculture Officer, JMC.
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