KATRA: In a major step towards environmental conservation and enhancing green cover, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) on Monday organised a plantation drive along the periphery of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital at Kakryal, planting more than 100 fruit-bearing saplings.
The saplings planted during the drive included lemon, mango, mosambi, kinnow, apple, guava, jackfruit, litchi, chikoo and amla. The initiative also involved extensive de-weeding and cleaning of the surrounding premises to improve cleanliness, maintenance and the overall aesthetic appeal of the area.
The plantation drive was formally launched by SMVDSB Chief Executive Officer Sachin Kumar Vaishya in the presence of Additional Chief Executive Officer Alok Kumar Maurya, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Pawan Kumar Goswami, Narayana Hospital Facility Director Dr Yashpal Sharma, Assistant Conservator of Forests Vinay Khajuria, and other senior Shrine Board officers, officials and staff of Narayana Hospital and the College of Nursing.
Under the Annual Green Plan 2026–27, approved by the Board under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the Shrine Board has set a target of planting 1,87,000 quality forestry seedlings in the Shrine area. Of these, 1,25,000 seedlings have already been planted, while the remaining 62,000 are scheduled to be planted during the forthcoming winter season.
The Shrine Board has also undertaken several eco-friendly initiatives focused on waste and water management, solar power generation and the use of drone technology for seed dispersal to preserve the natural environment of the Shrine area.
To promote environmental awareness and encourage public participation in expanding green cover, the Board has raised quality saplings at its hi-tech nursery in Village Kunia for distribution among the general public.
The latest plantation drive is expected to further enhance greenery along the periphery of Narayana Hospital while contributing to environmental sustainability and improving the area’s overall appearance.
