New Delhi: Government Sri Ranbir Model Higher Secondary School (SRML), Jammu, today emerged as the epicentre of a landmark environmental initiative with the grand launch of a Mega Plantation Drive across the entire Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory (J&K UT)**. The initiative witnessed enthusiastic participation from multiple departments including School Education, Higher Education, Health & Medical Education, and Social Welfare.
The flagship event, held at the SRML HSS campus, Parade Jammu, commenced at 12:00 noon and brought together nearly 600 participants, including students, educators, officers, and community members. The drive aims to promote environmental sustainability, strengthen community participation, and instill ecological responsibility among youth in alignment with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The programme was graced by **Chief Guest Sakina Itoo, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister for Education, Health & Medical Education, and Social Welfare, J&K**. Among the distinguished dignitaries present were senior officers including **MD ICDS, Director Social Welfare Jammu, Director Health Services Jammu, Director School Education Jammu, Chief Education Officer Jammu**, along with **MLAs and Chief Education Officers from Rajouri and Doda**.
**Dr. Naseem Javid Choudhary**, in her presence, reinforced the department’s strong commitment towards integrating environmental consciousness within the school education system and appreciated the initiative as a progressive step towards nurturing environmentally responsible citizens.
Chief Education Officer Jammu, Ajeet Sharma, played a pivotal role in organizing the event and, in his welcome address, emphasized the importance of collective participation in environmental conservation. He lauded the efforts of students and institutions in making the plantation drive a meaningful success and highlighted the need for sustained green initiatives at the grassroots level.
The event began with the ceremonial launch of the plantation drive, marking the start of a Union Territory-wide green initiative. Thousands of saplings were planted simultaneously across various districts, symbolizing a collective commitment to a greener and healthier J&K.
A meticulously planned programme added vibrancy and inclusivity to the event. Students showcased their talent through cultural performances, followed by engaging activities such as a spoon race for children and a spirited tug of war, creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm and community bonding.
The event also emphasized **social welfare and inclusivity** through the distribution of **bicycles to orphaned and single-parent girl students** by the Hon’ble Minister. **ECCE kits (“Jadu Ka Pitara”), sports kits for PM Shri Schools, and audio systems/desktops sponsored by the Bharti Airtel Foundation** were distributed to promote educational empowerment and digital learning.
Informative stalls by the Social Welfare Department created awareness about **afforestation, environmental protection, and biodiversity conservation, reinforcing the core message of the drive.
In her inspiring address, Sakina Itoo applauded the youth-led initiative and highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in combating climate change. She described the plantation drive as a “model movement” for environmental action and community participation across the Union Territory.
The programme concluded with the felicitation of dignitaries, followed by a formal vote of thanks by Principal Dr. Kishor Sharma, who also presented a token of gratitude to the Hon’ble Education Minister Sakina Itoo. He reiterated the institution’s unwavering commitment to eco-friendly practices and sustainable development.
The Mega Plantation Drive stands as a significant step towards building a greener future for Jammu & Kashmir, inspiring institutions and communities to actively contribute towards environmental conservation.
