Budgam — Forest officials, students, and climate activists gathered on Tuesday for a plantation drive and tree awareness session at the Nilnag Forest Block in the Doodh Ganga Forest Range. 

The event, organized by the Pir Panjal Forest Division, marked World Forest Day and aimed to raise awareness about forests and biodiversity.

Students from Government High School Gogjipathri joined officials from the forest department and members of the J&K Climate Action Group (JKCAG) and J&K RTI Movement for the event.

Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat, chairman of JKCAG and founder of the J&K RTI Movement, addressed the students and participants. He highlighted the need for large-scale plantation drives across the valley, citing drought conditions in recent years and declining air quality. 

He also praised the efforts of Range Officer Zahoor Ahmad Khan and Block Forest Officer Mohammad Aslam Wani for promoting awareness about forests among students.

Zahoor Ahmad Khan encouraged students to actively participate in afforestation programs so they could become green ambassadors in the future. He thanked the staff of Government High School Gogjipathri for supporting the event.

Other speakers included Block Forest Officer Mohammad Aslam Wani, Deputy Forester Riyaz Ahmad, and members of JKCAG and the RTI Movement, including Mushtaq Ahmad Lone, Shabir Musroof, Mohammad Younus, and Arsalan Ibrahim.

Participants planted saplings and took part in discussions about the importance of protecting forests, biodiversity, and the environment.