In the wake of recent fire incidents that destroyed vast swathes of forest cover in Jammu and Kashmir, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has launched an initiative to distribute plants as souvenirs to devotees from World Environment Day, celebrated on June 5th every year, to promote environmental sustainability, said officials.
Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SMVDSB, inaugurated a sapling outlet named Vaishnavi Vatika at the Niharika Complex in Katra.
The trust will offer around 40 Indigenous plant species reared in the board’s high-tech nursery at Kunia village in the Panthal area near Katra.
“These species have been shortlisted based on compatibility with the local climatic conditions and feasibility for ease of transportation and transplantation,” said Garg.
Garg highlighted that this innovative approach aligns with the Board’s commitment to environmental stewardship and fosters a deeper connection between spirituality and nature.
Meanwhile, recent fire incidents spreading across multiple districts in the Jammu region have caused significant damage to forest land. The region has also experienced several land sinking incidents, further exacerbating the damage.
“This initiative not only serves as a major contributor to increasing the green cover in the region but also strengthens the ecology and builds a healthier society,” he added.
He stressed the Board’s dedication to conserving the environment and ecology by planting more than 1.50 lakh seedlings annually in the shrine area to support soil and water conservation.
“The Board has been focusing on greening the Trikuta Hills and the spaces along the tracks leading to the shrine,” Garg said.
The saplings offered include a diverse selection of medicinal, flowering, and fruit-bearing plants, catering to different preferences and local environmental conditions nationwide.
Follow us
