Jammu, July 15, 2025 – The Indian Army’s Tiger Division, in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department, marked Van Mahotsav 2025 by organizing a significant tree-planting initiative in Jammu, reinforcing their commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. The event, held during the annual week-long Forest Festival (July 1–7), saw personnel from the Tiger Division and forest officials planting saplings to promote afforestation and foster a sustainable future in the region.The initiative, aligned with the national Van Mahotsav campaign launched in 1950 by K.M. Munshi, aimed to increase green cover and raise awareness about ecological conservation.
“This collaboration reflects our shared vision for a greener Jammu and Kashmir, where environmental responsibility and community participation go hand in hand,” said a Tiger Division spokesperson, emphasising the symbolic act of planting trees as a tribute to Mother Earth. The theme for Van Mahotsav 2025, “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0,” resonated deeply, encouraging participants to dedicate saplings to nurturing and sustainability.
The event involved local communities, military personnel, and forest department staff, who planted native species suited to the region’s ecosystem, ensuring higher survival rates during the monsoon season. The Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department, with its history dating back to 1857, provided saplings and technical expertise, drawing on its expertise in afforestation and biodiversity conservation. The initiative also highlighted the importance of preventing soil erosion and enhancing biodiversity in the Himalayan region, which faces challenges like deforestation and climate change.
Posts on X captured the sentiment, with users praising the Tiger Division’s efforts in nation-building through environmental action, noting, “The Tiger Division’s sapling planting with the J&K Forest Department is a step toward a sustainable future.”
The event aligns with broader regional efforts, such as the ongoing Shrawan Mahotsav at Shiv Khori and security measures for the Amarnath Yatra, showcasing a commitment to balancing cultural, spiritual, and environmental priorities.This collaborative effort underscores the Indian Army’s role in environmental conservation, complementing its security contributions, such as the BSF’s bomb disposal operations for the Yatra. By engaging local communities and leveraging the Forest Department’s resources, the Tiger Division is fostering a culture of ecological responsibility, aiming to create a lasting impact for future generations in Jammu and Kashmir.
