As a part of 67th Van Mahotsava , Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Choudhary Lal Singh launched a plantation drive at Moori, Nomain and Sulla Park areas in Reasi district. A large number of people participated in the drive and planted saplings of medicinal, ornamental and fruit trees. Underscoring the need for massive plantation drive, the Minister said that trees provide protection to wild life and help in regulating gaseous cycles and earth’s temperature. Not only this but they also help in maintaining balance in the nature and provide a wide range of economic and social benefits to mankind, he added. The Minister sought cooperation from the local people in beautification of Domail- Katra road and urged upon them to participate in the plantation drive for increasing the green cover in the State. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, A K Singh and District Development Commissioner, Ravinder Kumar accompanied the Minister. Chairman Pollution Control Board Ravi Kesar, Chief Conservator Forests Jammu Roshan Jaggi, Director Forest Protection Force Suresh Gupta and other officers participated in the plantation drive. Later, Minister held a publicgrievances redressal camp at Chintamani Dharamshalla, Katra where the people apprised him of the problems being faced by them. The Minister assured the people that all issues raised by them would be looked into for an early redressal. Meanwhile, Choudhary Lal Singh launched a plantation drive in Nowshera and Sunderbani in Rajouri district. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that afforestation is only solution to environmental hazards and it must be taken up by all vigorously.
