JAMMU, Jul 28: Reinforcing the message that environmental conservation and women empowerment must go hand in hand, the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign team organised a plantation drive at Har Ki Pauri, Jammu, on Tuesday. The initiative was led by J&K UT Convenor Ritika Trehan along with Co-Convenor Bahu Leela Chatteri , Co convenor Krishna Priya Dhar and renowned Yoga Guru Karan , who appealed to citizens to actively participate in protecting the environment by planting and nurturing trees.
The plantation drive witnessed enthusiastic participation from volunteers, local residents and social activists, who planted a variety of saplings with the resolve to contribute towards a greener, healthier and cleaner Jammu. The programme highlighted the importance of preserving ecological balance while promoting community participation in environmental protection.
Speaking on the occasion, Ritika Trehan said that safeguarding the environment is a shared responsibility and that every individual can make a meaningful contribution by planting and caring for trees. She emphasized that the vision of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao extends beyond empowering the girl child and includes building a healthy, sustainable and prosperous society where future generations can thrive.
She said that trees are the lifeline of humanity as they provide clean air, conserve water, enrich biodiversity and help combat the adverse effects of climate change. She urged people, particularly the youth, to adopt environmental conservation as a way of life and make plantation drives a regular community activity rather than a symbolic exercise.
Co-Convenor Bahu Leela Chatteri stressed that environmental awareness should begin at the family level. She encouraged women and children to take the lead in protecting nature by planting trees in their homes, schools and neighbourhoods. She observed that every sapling planted today represents hope for a cleaner and greener tomorrow.
Addressing the gathering, Yoga Guru Karan highlighted the close relationship between human health and a healthy environment. He said that yoga teaches harmony between human beings and nature, and preserving forests and green spaces is essential for maintaining physical, mental and spiritual well-being. He called upon people to adopt eco-friendly lifestyles and support initiatives aimed at environmental restoration.
The speakers collectively appealed to citizens to reduce pollution, conserve natural resources and participate in afforestation programmes to strengthen environmental sustainability. They also underlined the need to instill environmental values among children so that they grow into responsible and environmentally conscious citizens.
The organisers reiterated that plantation drives are not merely ceremonial events but a long-term commitment towards protecting the planet. They urged every family to plant at least one tree and ensure its proper care, stating that collective efforts can significantly enhance green cover and contribute to combating climate change.
The programme concluded with participants taking a pledge to continue working for environmental conservation and to spread awareness about the importance of tree plantation, cleanliness and sustainable living. The organisers expressed confidence that such community-driven initiatives would inspire more people to actively participate in creating a greener and healthier Jammu.