Lt Governor launches Green Jammu & Kashmir Drive 2023-24 from IIM Jammu
JAMMU, AUG 20: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha launched the Green Jammu & Kashmir Drive 2023-24 from IIM Jammu, today.
The Lt Governor planted a tree sapling in the Campus to mark the occasion.
In his address, the Lt Governor congratulated the Forests Department, IIM Jammu, Village Panchayat Plantation Committees and all the stakeholders for the launch of the mega plantation drive.
“Green J&K Drive has become a major contributor to increasing the green cover of J&K, strengthening our ecology and building a healthier society. In the last 3 years, we have been able to plant more than 4 crore saplings and the target for this year is to plant 1.75 crore plants to ensure ecological security,” the Lt Governor said.
The Lt Governor highlighted the need to protect, preserve and restore ecology and biodiversity for sustainable living.
J&K has one of the most diverse forest areas in the country with 55% forest and green cover. It is in the interest of environment and our future generations to synergise development with the natural resources for sustainable development, he added.
There is a saying that God forgives always, men forgive sometimes but nature never forgives. It is high time we realize that our rights over natural resources are temporary. We have to respect and restore the delicate balance between economic development and conservation of forests and environment, he said.
At IIM Jammu, the Lt Governor shared the key initiatives of the UT Administration aimed at ecological conservation and protection of natural resources.
“Sustainable Development and Environment Conservation is our priority. Protection of natural resources is in the DNA of our society, our culture. With the whole of government and whole of society approach, we are making honest efforts to address the challenges of climate change,” the Lt Governor said.
17 Nagar Vans are being established near cities and towns. It will enhance the green cover in Urban and Peri-Urban Areas to provide clean and healthy environment to the dwellers of Urban Centres. It is also being ensured that the city forests are established in all urban local bodies, he added.
The Lt Governor said the environmental protection awareness campaigns have generated a sense of responsibility among the people and there is a growing realization that the nature is the only lifeline for human existence.
Addressing the gathering, the Lt Governor called upon the Premier Education Institutions of J&K to take the lead in environmental protection campaigns.
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