Vaishno Devi shrine board launches plantation drive

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) today launched a plantation drive at Government Middle School (GMS), Panthal, Katra.

The event brought together officials from SMVDSB and its allied Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), educators, students and local residents as part of the board’s broader mission to promote eco-conscious practices in the revered Trikuta Hills region.

The initiative included ceremonial planting of saplings in and around the GMS Panthal campus, which has been adopted by SMVDIME under its Family Adoption Programme. A variety of indigenous, environment-friendly medicinal and fruit-bearing plants were planted to enhance air quality and beautify the surroundings.

Addressing the participants, Alok Kumar Maurya, Additional Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, reiterated the board’s dedication to environmental conservation. He informed that as part of the Annual Green Plan 2025–26, the shrine board is undertaking plantation of over one lakh high-quality native forestry seedlings across the shrine area on Trikuta Hills. These plants, raised in the board’s high-tech nursery, are also made available to the public at Katra and Jammu to encourage broader community participation.

He further shared that drone technology is being employed for aerial seed dispersal, enabling afforestation in remote and inaccessible areas of the Trikuta Hills.

The Additional CEO emphasised that the plantation drive not only supports the development of green zones but also strengthens eco-education among students and the local community. He appreciated the enthusiastic participation of the students and faculty of GMS Panthal, the SMVDIME team led by the Executive Director, ACF along with officials from the Forest Wing of SMVDSB and the local villagers.

To promote creativity and environmental awareness, a painting competition on the theme “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” was also organised for students.