KATHUA, JULY 30: As part of the ongoing Van Mahotsav 2026 celebrations, the Social Forestry Department Kathua today organised a mega plantation drive under the nationwide ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign from Kathua Waterfront to Kalibari to enhance the district’s green cover.
Member of Legislative Assembly Kathua Dr Bharat Bhushan led the drive, in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma, ADDC Surinder Mohan Sharma, ADC Mahima Madan, DFO Social Forestry Hitakshi Sharma, senior Social Forestry officers, district officers, representatives of various government departments, volunteers and members of civil society.
Dr Bharat Bhushan said the campaign encourages every citizen to plant a tree in honour of their mother while contributing to a sustainable future. He urged the public, particularly the youth, to participate actively in afforestation drives and ensure the survival and proper care of the saplings.
The Deputy Commissioner appreciated the department’s efforts and stressed that increasing green cover through community participation is essential for maintaining ecological balance, mitigating climate change and preserving biodiversity. He called upon all stakeholders to make tree plantation a people’s movement.
Officers of the district administration, prominent citizens, civil society representatives and media persons planted indigenous and ornamental saplings along the Waterfront–Kalibari stretch and pledged to protect and nurture them.
Earlier, DFO Social Forestry Hitakshi Sharma welcomed the dignitaries, outlined the objectives of Van Mahotsav 2026 and the campaign and sensitised participants on nurturing the saplings for their healthy growth and long-term sustainability.
