Bandipora, May 03: To augment the beauty of the Gurez Valley, rejuvenate green wealth and retrieve degraded forests, Dawar Battalion of Snow Leopard Brigade conducted a ‘Quami Ekta’ Meet and afforestation Drive at Dawar, Markoot, Mastan, Achura and Wampor villages of Gurez valley from this month, a spokesperson said on Friday.
More than 900 saplings of fruits, ornamental, pine and poplars were planted on the first day. The event witnessed huge participation of locals, officials of Gurez administration and Army personnel of Snow Leopard Brigade.
The drive was focussed on the conservation of nature & Afforestation. Commander Snow Leopard Brigade highlighted the need to launch afforestation drive with enthusiasm and realise it successfully as a mission. He also stressed on involvement of the youth in the drive to instill love for bio diversity in the valley.
The locals expressed their gratitude towards the Army for the afforestation drive and acknowledged that the efforts will go a long way in restoring the ecological balance which has witnessed a number of slides in the area due to changing ecology.
