Shopian, March 21, 2025 – The Forest Division Shopian marked World Forest Day with a Mega Plantation Drive at Zawoora, reinforcing its commitment to environmental conservation in Jammu and Kashmir. The event, inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Shopian, Shishir Gupta, saw the participation of forest officials, local volunteers, and community members, who came together to plant saplings and bolster the region’s green cover.
The Mega Plantation Drive is a highlight of the Forest Department Shopian’s ambitious efforts this year, which have resulted in the planting of 3.2 lakh trees across the district in 2025. This milestone reflects the department’s dedication to combating deforestation, enhancing biodiversity, and addressing climate change challenges in the region.
Speaking at the inauguration, DC Shopian Shishir Gupta emphasized the significance of collective action in preserving the environment. “On this World Forest Day, we are not just planting trees but sowing the seeds for a sustainable future. The Forest Division Shopian’s efforts, including the remarkable achievement of planting 3.2 lakh trees this year, are a testament to what we can achieve when we work together,” he said, symbolically planting the first sapling to kick off the drive.
The event at Zawoora, a scenic area in Shopian, featured the planting of native species suited to the local ecosystem, aimed at ensuring long-term survival and ecological benefits. Officials from the Forest Department Shopian highlighted that the 3.2 lakh trees planted in 2025 span various initiatives, including afforestation programs, community-driven drives, and efforts under national schemes like the Green India Mission.
World Forest Day, observed globally on March 21, serves as a reminder of the vital role forests play in sustaining life—regulating climate, storing carbon, and supporting livelihoods. The Mega Plantation Drive at Zawoora aligns with this year’s international theme, encouraging innovative approaches to forest restoration. “Our goal is to make Shopian a model for sustainable forestry,” said a senior official from the Forest Division Shopian, noting that the 3.2 lakh trees planted this year mark a significant step toward that vision.
Local residents praised the initiative, with many joining hands to plant saplings and pledging to care for them. The Forest Department Shopian plans to monitor the growth of these trees, ensuring their contribution to the district’s ecological health for years to come.
As the sun set over Zawoora, the Mega Plantation Drive concluded with a renewed sense of purpose, celebrating World Forest Day with action and hope, driven by the Forest Division Shopian and supported by the community.