Budgam March 5 (KNS): On the occasion of International Day of Conscience, observed on 5th April 2025, the Pir Panjal Forest Division launched a campaign“ Plastic Free Forests” aimed at promoting environmental consciousness, preventing forest fires through sustainable practices & indigenous knowledge systems.
The officials from Raithan Forest Range and Dood Ganga Range organized an awareness campaign focused on promoting plastic-free forests around Doodhpathri , Yusmarg and Nilnag areas which are visited by tourists in good numbers on a daily basis.The event witnessed active participation from local communities, forest department and other stakeholders like shopkeepers and local residents.
“The primary objective of the campaign was to sensitize people about the adverse effects of plastic waste on forest ecosystems and wildlife, while also encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives in their daily lives and utilizing the indigenous and traditional knowledge systems and practices “ said DFO Pir Panjal Forest Division Budgam Waseem Gul
The Pir Panjal Forest Division Budgam is planning to continue with this campaign for coming months during the peak tourist season involving local legislators , members of panchayati raj institutions students , local community leaders , senior citizens , religious leaders and environmental activists
“ We plan to hold interactive sessions, demonstrations, and on-ground cleanliness drives, plus creating awareness on waste free forests and preventing forest fires among shopkeepers , dhaba walas, trekkers, locals and students coming for excursions to Yusmarg , Doodhpathri, Nilnag, Tosamaidan and other tourist places surrounded by forests “ DFO Waseem Gul added
The event not only highlighted the ecological significance of forests but also reinforced the role of individual conscience and collective responsibility in environmental conservation.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelEnvironmental activist and Chairman RTI Movement Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat , Chairman Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation Haji Manzoor Wangnoo, Executive Member KCCI Farooq Kuthoo, President Travel Agents Association of Kashmir-TAAK Rauf Tramboo , Video Volunteers Coordinator Sajad Rasool , Chairman Life School Chararsharief Nazrul Islam , Kashmir Hikes N Treks Director Mehrajdin Andrabi, Rafiq Ahanger Nilnagi Social Activist, Mushtaq Ahmad Lone -RTI Movement Coordinator Budgam have appreciated this initiative and assured full support to Pir Panjal Forest Division Budgam. (KNS)