Srinagar, Mar 22:(KNS)  Continuing with its extension activities, the Department of Botany at Srinagar’s S P College held a plantation drive on Monday in connection with the World Forest Day celebrations.

Principal Prof Khurshid Ahmad Khan led the plantation drive, organised in collaboration with National Service Scheme (NSS) units, to raise awareness on the importance of tree plantation in accordance with the theme of this year’s World Forest Day—“Forest restoration: a path to recovery and well-being.”

In his special address, Prof Khan said the world is focusing on conservation of forests which are believed to be home to 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity.

“We need to encourage all faculty members and students to undertake tree plantation campaigns and help curb deforestation which is going on at an alarming pace,” he said, appreciating the Department of Botany for organising regular extension activities.

Prof Khan said he wants the SP College, one of the historical colleges in J&K, to become a hub of extension activities pertaining to environment protection.

The Principal, faculty members and NSS volunteers planted tree saplings, provided by the Social Forestry Department, at the Eco Park. The NSS volunteers vowed to adopt each plant and take care of the same in future.

The plantation drive, among others, was attended by Dr Syed Wilayat Rizvi, HoD Botany; Prof Manzoor A Wani, Coordinator Campus Management and Landscape; faculty members of Botany Department including Prof Saduf Nazir, Dr Tabassum Qadri, Prof Shazia Mushtaq, Dr Shabana Aslam, Dr Fahima Gul, Prof Tabassum Habib, Prof Nighat Jan, Dr Ubaid Yaqboob, NSS Programme Officers Dr Khalid Hassan, Dr Sameera Siraj, Dr Syed Rashid, and students of Botany Department as well as gardeners of the college.(KNS)