Jammu, Oct 27 The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) launched a fresh drive on Tuesday to increase green cover and promote ecological sustainability, planting 100 fruit-bearing saplings in Katra, the base camp for pilgrims visiting the revered shrine, an official said.
The plantation drive was organised along a long stretch of the periphery of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Kakryal, and was formally launched by Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, a spokesperson for the Shrine Board said.
He said the initiative is part of the Annual Green Plan 2026–27, approved by the Board chaired by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha. Under the plan, the Shrine Board has envisaged planting 1.87 lakh quality forestry seedlings in the Shrine area. The spokesperson said while 1.25 lakh seedlings have already been planted, the remaining 62,000 are scheduled to be planted during the forthcoming winter season.
During the latest drive, over 100 fruit-bearing saplings, including lemon, mango, mosambi, kinnow, apple, guava, jackfruit, litchi, chikoo and amla, were planted.
The initiative also involved extensive de-weeding and cleaning of the surrounding premises to improve the area’s overall cleanliness, upkeep, and aesthetic appeal, the spokesperson said. Reaffirming its commitment to environmental sustainability, he said the Shrine Board has undertaken several eco-friendly initiatives, including waste and water management, solar power generation, and the use of drone technology for seed dispersal to preserve the Shrine area’s natural grandeur.
To promote environmental awareness and encourage greater public participation in enhancing green cover, the Board has also raised quality saplings at its hi-tech nursery in village Kunia for distribution to the general public.
(PTI News)
