Army launches afforestation operation to re-green border areas of Jammu and Kashmir

Poonch (Jammu and Kashmir), Aug 5 (ANI): In view of the widespread deforestation, the Indian Army has launched an operation to re-green vast areas of barren land in border areas of Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district.

As part of this endeavour, the Army personnel have distributed 10,000 saplings among local residents.

They are also spreading public awareness about the need to conserve forests.

"I would like to make an appeal to the people that only planting a sapling is not important, we need to make sure that it lives and survives as well. People need to know the importance of plants. We can only survive by coexisting or else even we won't be alive," said K L Khajuria, Deputy Development Commisioner.

"As a result of deforestation, we have suffered and have witnessed land erosion and floods. Only if we conserve and do more plantations will we survive and live a good life," he added.

Local residents and school children have shown active participation in the afforestation campaign.

"The way we are living, the pace at which we are living, the ecology cannot stand it. The environment will give away very soon if we continue to live in this manner. So this afforestation drive is going to renew the forest in those remote areas where there is otherwise a lot of deforestation. This drive of ours is going to go a long way in conserving forests," said V S Shree Nivas, Brigade Commander.

The afforestation drive began on July 24 and will last till first week of August. (ANI)