Kakryal, Aug 1: Continuing with its numerous recent ‘Greening’ initiatives, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board today undertook massive ‘Plantation Drive’ on a large expanse of down-slopes of Sanjeevani hillock in Kakryal area. In addition to planting of new trees in the identified stretch, massive de-weeding and general cleaning of the entire area was also done as part of the drive.
The drive organized by Forest Wing of Shrine Board in collaboration with State Bank of India was launched by Dr. Gopal Sharma, Asstt. Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB. The senior functionaries of Forest Wing, Nursing College of Shrine Board and the State Bank of India (sponsors of the event) were present on the occasion. Besides the staff / manpower arranged by Forest wing of Shrine Board, a large number of students of the Shrine Board’’s Nursing College (SMVDCoN) provided voluntary services for the plantation activity, at the culmination of which, they were provided hygienic and sumptuous refreshment by the organizers.
Speaking on the occasion, Sh. Vinay Khajuira, ACF elaborated that under Annual Green Plan 2023-24, the Board approved 82100 quality forestry seedlings to be planted in the shrine area. Further, to create awareness among the society for improving green cover, Shrine Board raised quality saplings in the hi-tech nursery situated at Village Kunia for the general public. He added that the plantation activity undertaken today would surely result in creating a proper green cover over the slopes, not only to aesthatics of the area but would also help in reducing soil erosion.
Rahul, Branch Manager, SBI, Katra complemented the Forest Wing of Board for splendid organizing of plantation drive. Besides, Sudhir Kumar, Chief Manager, SBI expressed a strong desire to stregthen association with the Shrine Board in furtherance of initiatives of importance for the society. On behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, Shrine Board, Dr. Gopal Sharma appreciated SBI’s contribution in supporting the Board to pursue its ‘Greening Plans’ aimed at betterment of the society.
