Kulgam: In a significant expansion of the people-led ecological movement ‘One Million Trees for Pir Panjal,’ the School for Rural Development and Environment (SRDE), in collaboration with the Forest Department Kulgam Division and the Nature Conservancy Alliance (NCA), today organized a mega plantation drive at Gurwatan, Aharbal in Kulgam district.
Around 150 volunteers participated in the drive, representing a wide spectrum of institutions and community groups, including SRDE, NCA Youth Wing, Pir Panjal Adventure Club, Forest Rights Coalition J&K, J&K RTI Movement, Forest Division Kulgam, KIA Motors, and students from Government High School Tangmarg, Kulgam. Together, they planted deodar saplings, symbolic of ecological resilience and long-term environmental security.
The programme began with a welcome address by Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Kulgam, Mr. Mohd Ashraf Kutto, who highlighted the ecological significance of such initiatives. He emphasized that community-driven plantation efforts are essential for restoring degraded forest areas, strengthening biodiversity, and ensuring slope stability in the mountainous terrain. He reiterated that forests must be seen as critical ecological assets, not expendable resources.
Mr. Mushtaq Wani, COO of KIA Motors, appreciated the leadership of SRDE and NCA in driving this campaign. He acknowledged the importance of corporate participation in environmental initiatives and expressed his organization’s commitment to supporting the ongoing movement for ecological restoration in the Pir Panjal region.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Shaikh Ghulam Rasool, Founder of the Nature Conservancy Alliance, articulated a compelling vision linking forest health with Kashmir’s future. He stressed that agriculture, horticulture, and water systems are pillars of the region’s economy, and are directly dependent on the integrity of forests and mountain ecosystems.
“Healthy forests are our strongest defense against climate instability,” he said. “They regulate water cycles, protect soil, and sustain livelihoods. If we neglect them, we endanger our economy, our environment, and our future.”
He further emphasized that climate change is already impacting the Himalayan region through erratic weather, declining water sources, and ecological degradation. He called for a shift towards ecological responsibility, urging communities and institutions to treat forest conservation as a collective duty.
Mr. Zahid Parwaz Choudhary, Tribal Leader and Convenor of the Forest Rights Coalition J&K, highlighted the critical role of pastoral communities in sustaining ecological balance. He noted that pastoral economies contribute nearly 12% to the region’s GDP and remain a key source of organic livestock products.
“Pastoral communities are naturally climate-resilient,” he said. “Protecting forests must go hand in hand with conserving rangelands and pastoral culture. Sustainable mountains depend on both ecological and cultural continuity.”
Shameem Ahmed Shah, Vice President of SRDE, thanked the NCA Youth Wing for their active role and appreciated the Forest Department Kulgam & Mr M Ashraf for its support and excellent coordination. He also acknowledged the encouragement of the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Kashmir, Mr. Irfan Rasool, in strengthening such grassroots environmental efforts.
Ms. Tanub from NCA reinforced the call for youth engagement, urging young people across Jammu & Kashmir to actively join the “One Million Trees for Pir Panjal” campaign. She described the initiative as a movement for water security and a healthier future, driven by youth leadership and community participation.
Mr. Junaid Andrabi, Convenor of the J&K RTI Movement, called upon the people, especially youth, to become active stakeholders in protecting forests and mountains. He stressed that the region’s agriculture and horticulture sectors, which form the backbone of its economy, are directly linked to ecological health. Our forests are not separate from our economy, they sustain it and protecting them is essential for safeguarding livelihoods and ensuring long-term prosperity.
