Srinagar, June 6: The Forest Department J&K celebrated the World Environment Day in all 23 FPF Gamma units across J&K under this year’s theme ‘land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience’.
A statement of the Forest Protection Force Department issued here said that multiple activities were held across J&K by the Forest Protection Force personnel in their respective jurisdictions which include plantation drives, green marches, cleaning of campuses, and plastic-free drives.
The main event was held at FPF Headquarters Complex Jammu.
A green march was held by FPF Personnel from FPF Headquarters to Environmental Park Raika Jammu and enroute all plastic bags and other plastic-based products were collected and disposed of.
Later on, a plantation drive was held on the campus of FPF Headquarters Jammu where saplings of various species were planted by staff, kickstarted by Joint Director Forest Protection Force Jammu in the presence of Deputy Director Headquarters and Deputy Director FPF Gamma Unit J-01 Flying Squad Jammu.
It was followed by a pledge-cum-oath taking ceremony in which staff members as well as field staff pledged that they would adopt the eco-friendly approach in their life, minimise the use of plastic and other plastic-based products, and contribute at their level to minimise the environmental pollution by switching over to use of sustainable and eco-friendly energy resources.
Later on, Joint Director FPF Jammu deliberated upon the history, theme, and importance of World Environment Day.
He stressed the use of biodegradable and eco-friendly bags in place of plastic.
In his speech, he highlighted the reasons behind desertification and its consequences in future.
He also highlighted the causes of global warming and other climatic issues and impressed upon all to play their role in controlling and combating issues like global warming, land degradation, water scarcity, soil erosion, and ecological issues about J&K.
All the participants later took part in the cleanliness drive within the campus and the entire campus was cleared of all plastic and plastic-based products and made plastic-free.