JAMMU: The Central Government Pensioners’ Welfare Association (CGPWA), Jammu, on Friday launched its ambitious Plantation Drive-2026 at the BALGRAN premises, planting over 100 saplings in the first phase of the campaign aimed at promoting environmental conservation and creating awareness among the younger generation.
The drive was inaugurated by CGPWA President Kuldeep Khoda, who planted a Ficus benjamina (weeping fig) sapling, highlighting the importance of trees in maintaining ecological balance and improving environmental health.
Organised in collaboration with BALGRAN, which runs Bal Bharti Public School, the plantation drive witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, who planted a variety of saplings, including Acacia auriculiformis, amla, behra, kachnar (Bauhinia), ficus species, guava, jamun and arjun.
To encourage long-term care of the plants, BALGRAN President Vinod Raina announced that each student would adopt a sapling and be responsible for its maintenance. He also announced prizes for students whose plants show the best growth, a move that generated great enthusiasm among the participants.
Most of the saplings were provided by the Urban Social Forestry Department, while others were procured from different nurseries.
Addressing the gathering, Kuldeep Khoda stressed the vital role of trees in producing oxygen, reducing pollution and combating environmental degradation caused by urbanisation, vehicular emissions, industrial activities and other human interventions. He called for a mass movement to promote plantation, stating that children are the best ambassadors to spread the message of environmental protection.
Speaking to the media, Dr. Ashok Bhan underlined the urgent need to raise public awareness about the challenges facing the environment, describing plantation as one of the simplest and most effective ways to restore ecological balance.
CGPWA General Secretary K.B. Jandial said the association has resolved to actively promote plantation drives as a means to improve environmental health, adding that increasing green cover is essential for a sustainable future.
Earlier, BALGRAN President Vinod Raina welcomed the guests and urged students to view plantation as a lifelong responsibility rather than a ceremonial activity. He encouraged them to nurture the saplings with dedication and contribute to building a greener environment.
Several prominent members of the association and distinguished guests participated in the plantation drive by planting saplings, reaffirming their commitment to environmental conservation.
The association also announced that the second phase of the Plantation Drive will be organised next week in collaboration with the Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu, and Friends of Government Medical College, during which more than 100 additional saplings will be planted at the GMC stadium.
