Srinagar, March 22, 2025 – In a bid to promote environmental sustainability and enhance the eco-tourism appeal of Jammu and Kashmir, the Directorate of Tourism, Kashmir, in collaboration with the Eco Tourism Society of Kashmir, organised a plantation drive at the Tourist Reception Centre in Srinagar . The event, which took place on Saturday afternoon, marks a significant step toward greening the region while aligning with broader efforts to preserve Kashmir’s natural beauty.
The plantation drive saw participation from officials of the Directorate of Tourism, members of the Eco Tourism Society, local volunteers, and environmental enthusiasts. The initiative aims to plant a variety of trees around the TRC, a key hub for tourists visiting the Kashmir Valley, to improve the area’s aesthetic appeal and contribute to ecological balance. While specific details about the number and types of trees planted were not disclosed, the effort underscores a growing commitment to sustainable tourism practices in the region.
A spokesperson from the Directorate of Tourism emphasized the importance of such initiatives, stating, “Tourism in Kashmir thrives on the region’s pristine environment. By collaborating with the Eco Tourism Society, we aim to ensure that our natural heritage is preserved for future generations while offering visitors an enriched experience.” The TRC, located in the heart of Srinagar, serves as a gateway for tourists and is an ideal location to showcase eco-friendly initiatives.
The Eco Tourism Society of Kashmir, a key partner in the event, has been actively involved in promoting sustainable tourism practices across the Valley. The organization has previously supported efforts to conserve wetlands, reduce plastic waste, and raise awareness about environmental issues among locals and tourists alike. Today’s plantation drive aligns with their mission to foster a harmonious balance between tourism development and environmental conservation.
This initiative comes at a time when Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a tourism boom, with over 2.35 crore visitors recorded in 2024, according to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The region’s tourism sector, a vital pillar of the local economy, has been increasingly focusing on eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and cultural heritage preservation to sustain this growth responsibly.
Local residents and tourists passing through the TRC expressed appreciation for the effort. “It’s heartening to see such steps being taken. Kashmir’s beauty lies in its greenery, and planting more trees will only make it more inviting,” said Mohammad Aslam, a Srinagar resident who witnessed the event.
The plantation drive is expected to be part of a series of environmental activities planned by the Directorate of Tourism and its partners in the coming months. With spring in full bloom across the Valley, the timing of the event also symbolizes renewal and growth, resonating with the region’s seasonal charm.
As Jammu and Kashmir continues to position itself as a global tourist destination, initiatives like this plantation drive highlight the importance of sustainable practices in maintaining the ecological and cultural integrity of the region.