JAMMU, AUGUST 11- A month long Vanmohotsav eco-awareness program conducted by Department of Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing, Jammu concluded here today. This awareness program was launched on 21st July 2018 by organizing workshop on “Role of Birds in Forest Ecology”. Department also organized workshop on “field plant taxonomy” on 28th July followed by “Farmer’s meet with agriculture scientists and herbal growers” on 4th August. An interactive session conducted today marks the conclusion of Vanmahotsav.
PCCF, J&K Manoj Pant was the chief guest on the occasion while Chief Conservator Jammu Sameer Bharti, Conservators, DFO’s, Range officers and other senior officers of the forest department were also present on the occasion.
While speaking on the occasion, Manoj Pant lauded the officers for their efforts for conducting successfully four Saturday workshops on various subjects. He said that these workshops aim to sensitize the general public and officials of Forest department in specific about the importance of afforestation. The festival finds mass participation of people, including government agencies, civic bodies and educational institutions across the country which comes together every year to plant saplings, he maintained.
Director, Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing, O.P. Sharma in his address said that the festival of ‘Van Mahotsav’ is celebrated every year in the country in a bid to raise awareness about the importance of trees and encourage people to plant more of them.
On the occasion Van-Mahotsava Vegetarian Thali was also innovated where Gualmanda raiata (Telosma pallida), Draunkal Chaul(Murraya koenigii), Ittsitt Parantha (Boerhaavia diffusa), Gudhal chai(Hibiscus rosa sinensis), Harad achaar (Terminalia chebula), Kalga Halwa (Celosia Halwa), Bidd curry ( Pueraria tuberosa) and Kandoori sabzi (Coccinia grandis) was served to resource persons & other participants.
A musical and poetry extravaganza on the importance of plantation was also presented by the artists which was applauded by one and all. Vote of thanks was presented by Environmental Soil Conservationist Saleem-ul-Haq. Participants were gifted with edible and medicinal tree saplings with certificates of participation.
