Shopian, March 21, 2025 – On the occasion of World Forest Day, the Forest Division Shopian organised a Mega Plantation Drive at Zawoora, aimed at combating the escalating environmental crisis and promoting green cover in Jammu and Kashmir. The event, held on Friday, was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shopian, Shishir Gupta, who underscored the critical role of plantation in safeguarding the region’s ecological balance.
The Mega Plantation Drive saw participation from forest officials, local residents, and students, who collectively planted hundreds of saplings across the Zawoora landscape. The initiative, led by the Forest Division Shopian, aligns with global efforts to mark World Forest Day, celebrated annually on March 21 to raise awareness about the importance of forests in sustaining life.
Speaking at the event, DC Shopian Shishir Gupta emphasized the urgency of collective action amid the rising environmental crisis. “Forests are our lifeline—regulating climate, storing carbon, and providing clean air. The growing threats of deforestation and climate change demand that we prioritize plantation efforts like this one,” he said. Gupta also commended the Forest Division Shopian for its proactive role in restoring forest health and engaging the community in conservation.
The Mega Plantation Drive at Zawoora builds on earlier efforts by the division, including a plantation initiative under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign in February, reflecting a sustained commitment to greening the district. Officials from the Forest Division Shopian noted that the saplings planted today—comprising native species—will bolster biodiversity and support local livelihoods dependent on forest resources.
As the world grapples with escalating environmental challenges, events like these resonate with the World Forest Day 2025 theme, which calls for innovative solutions to protect forests. The DC Shopian urged citizens to adopt sustainable practices and participate in future drives to mitigate the environmental crisis. “Every tree planted is a step toward a healthier planet,” he added, kicking off the drive by planting the first sapling.
The Mega Plantation Drive concluded with a pledge from participants to nurture the newly planted trees, ensuring their survival as a lasting legacy for Zawoora and beyond.