Uri, March 12:(KNS) Forest department Uri block Lagama in collaboration with local non-governmental organisation (NGO)- Uri Foundation on Saturday organised a plantation drive at Govt Girls Middle School Garkote here.

The drive was conducted under ‘Green India Mission’, ‘One Beat Guard One Village’ programs. 

Over 40 conifer plants were planted by the headmaster, staff of the concerned forest block, sarpanch of the concerned panchayat halqa including the members of the Uri Foundation.

Almost 240 conifer plants were distributed among staff, students, and general public. 

The program was attended by the headmaster of the school Zahoor Ahmad Budoo, Forest Range Officer Uri Rasheed Ud Din Pandith and forester block Lagama Javid Ahmad Miandad.

However, locals of the area hailed the efforts of the forest department particularly forest guard Safeer Ahmad and requested the department to continue such drives.

Faizan Khawaja, a member of Uri Foundation appreciated the efforts of the forest department to reach at grassroot level and create awareness among the masses about the need for plantation drives at a time when climate change has become a bigger issue.

Forest Range Officer Uri Rashid Ud Din Pandith said there is a need to plant more and more trees. 

“The purpose is to enhance the green cover besides restoring the natural glory of our depleting environment. Similar drives will be started at other places of Garkote and Uri to ensure the preservation of our environment,” he said.

He added that forests play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and everyone needs to maintain and save them.(KNS)