KD News Service
Srinagar, Mar 30: In a landmark step towards ecological restoration and climate resilience in the Western Himalayas, the “One Million Trees for Pir Panjal” initiative was formally inaugurated with remarkable enthusiasm, unity, and a renewed sense of environmental responsibility. Led by the School for Rural Development and Environment (SRDE), in collaboration with the Nature Conservancy Alliance (NCA) and supported by the Forest Department, Jammu & Kashmir, the campaign represents far more than a plantation drive—it is a transformative people’s movement dedicated to healing the fragile ecosystems of the Pir Panjal range.
The initiative was officially launched by renowned climate justice activist and Founder of SRDE, Dr. Shaikh Ghulam Rasool, in the presence of distinguished civil society leaders, forest officials, academicians, and international representatives, including IHRO SAARC Director Ms. Roshni Bhattarai. The event witnessed vibrant participation from students and scholars of the Faculty of Forestry at SKUAST-K, alongside educators, youth groups, women’s collectives, and local communities—collectively reflecting a powerful and shared commitment to environmental stewardship and climate action.
Marking the beginning of its first phase, a large-scale plantation drive was simultaneously launched in the Shukhnag Forest Range of Pir Panjal Division Budgam.
This milestone event signals the operationalization of an ambitious vision to plant one million trees across the Pir Panjal landscape. The drive is being implemented through a collaborative framework involving SRDE, NCA, the Tosamaidan Bachav Front (TBF), and the Shukhnag Conservation and Development Foundation (SCDF), with strong institutional support from the Jammu & Kashmir Forest Department.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Shaikh Ghulam Rasool underscored the deeper philosophy behind the initiative:
“This is not merely about planting trees; it is about healing our mountains. The forests of Pir Panjal sustain our water systems, Glaciar Ecology,biodiversity, and climate resilience. To protect them is to secure the future of Jammu & Kashmir, a future that is safe, sustainable, and green.”
He further emphasized that the campaign is as much about people as it is about trees.
“Our goal is to plant one million trees across the Pir Panjal Range, but equally important is to inspire and engage communities, especially our youth as custodians of these forests. True conservation lies in collective ownership and sustained participation,” he added, while announcing that additional plantation drives are planned across Budgam before the initiative expands to the broader Pir Panjal region.
With over 16 years of dedicated work, SRDE has consistently remained at the forefront of research and grassroots action in mountain ecology, biodiversity conservation, wildlife protection, wetlands Conservation and climate justice across Jammu & Kashmir. Having already planted more than 2.7 lakh trees, the organisation has demonstrated a strong track record of impactful environmental interventions. This campaign builds upon that legacy, aiming to restore degraded landscapes, revive biodiversity, and strengthen climate resilience through inclusive, community-driven approaches.
The organisers highlighted with serious concern that unregulated tourism, unchecked infrastructure expansion, and unsustainable development practices have caused significant ecological stress in the eco-fragile zones of the Pir Panjal regionand accross the valley.The initiative therefore calls for a decisive shift towards sustainable development pathways grounded in ecological balance, indigenous knowledge systems, and community stewardship.
Officials from the Forest Department were present at the plantation site, extending technical expertise, providing saplings, and ensuring scientific planting methods to enhance survival rates. The Range Officer of Sukhnag Range appreciated the initiative and apprised participants of ongoing forestry schemes, stating:
“We sincerely acknowledge the efforts of SRDE J&K, which has consistently been at the forefront of protecting forests and ecological interests. Their work in research and community-based action is commendable and continues to inspire young officers within the department.”
The plantation drive witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, Scholars from Forest division SKAUS-K , Environmentist s, volunteers, and local communities, all actively contributing to the planting process and pledging to nurture and protect the saplings. The event reflected a rare and encouraging convergence of stakeholders united by a shared vision of ecological restoration.
Welcoming the participants, Molvi Maqbool, President of the Shukhnag Conservation and Development Foundation (SCDF), highlighted the ethical and spiritual dimensions of environmental stewardship.
“It is our Islamic duty to plant trees and protect water, biodiversity, and our mountain landscapes. These natural resources are a sacred trust for future generations,” he stated. He further assured that SCDF, along with the Tosamaidan Bachav Front (TBF), would continue to stand firmly with SRDE’s initiatives and appealed to Imams and Khateebs across Jammu & Kashmir to emphasize environmental protection and plantation during Friday sermons.
Adding further momentum, Prof. Billal Bhat reaffirmed SRDE’s long-term commitment to ecological advocacy:
“SRDE will continue to lead such plantation initiatives and remain actively engaged in campaigns defending nature and communities. Our collective responsibility is to build a greener, more resilient future.”
Mushtaq Budgam, representing the Gujjar-Bakerwal Youth Welfare Conference (GBYWC) & FRC-J&K, expressed unwavering solidarity with the initiative:
“The Gujjar-Bakerwal youth will always remain shoulder to shoulder in this noble cause led by Dr. Shaikh Ghulam Rasool. Protecting forests and rangelands is directly linked to our livelihoods, culture, and identity,” he remarked.
Peer Sheikh Ghulam Mohideen, Chairperson of the Pir Panjal Conservation Foundation (PCF), stressed the strategic and ecological significance of the campaign:
“The conservation of Pir Panjal is vital not only for our communities but for the entire Kashmir region, particularly for its water security. PCF is committed to planting diverse species of trees throughout the year to strengthen ecological balance and resilience,” he stated.
In her address, Ms. Abiza Maqbool, Youth Coordinator at NCA and a forestry professional, passionately called upon the youth to take ownership of the movement, emphasizing that the future of Kashmir’s ecological security rests in their hands.
The event also witnessed the presence of Ms. Rashada from Azerbaijan, teachers from the Education Department, and members of various civil society organisations, further reinforcing both local and international solidarity for environmental conservation.
The organisers reiterated that the “One Million Trees for Pir Panjal” initiative is not a one-time activity but an evolving, long-term movement designed to mobilize communities, institutions, and individuals across regions. By integrating scientific knowledge with grassroots participation, the campaign aims to establish a sustainable and replicable model for ecological restoration in mountain ecosystems.
The programme concluded with a joint vote of thanks by SRDE, NCA, SCDF, and the Forest Department, expressing sincere gratitude to all participants and reaffirming their collective commitment to environmental stewardship.
The organisers have issued a strong and heartfelt call to civil society, youth, women, educators, and community leaders across Jammu & Kashmir to actively join this movement, to plant, protect, to restore and preserve our Forests . At a time when ecological challenges are intensifying,Heat waves are on rise ,such collective action stands as a powerful testament to shared responsibility and hope.
The message is urgent and inspiring: the mountains of Pir Panjal must not only survive, they must thrive—green, resilient, and life sustaining for generations to come.
SRDE and NCA team extends gratitude & thanks to the Forest department for the support especially To DFO PirPanjal Syed Waseem and CCF Kashmir Mr Irfan Rasool IFSC.
