Bilal Habib
PAMPORE, February 27: In an effort to bring youngsters closer to nature, the Forest Department Division Awantipora organized a one-day trekking event from Wahab Sahab to Wasturwan for girl students of Government Degree College (GDC) Pampore.
The event aimed to promote Eco-tourism, forest conservation, and awareness about the importance of forests. It was flagged off by Range Officer Pampore, Dr. Muneesa Banday, in the presence of other officials.
A total of 20 girl students, accompanied by staff members from GDC Pampore, participated in the trek. A team of forest officials also joined the event, providing assistance, refreshments, and ensuring the safety of participants from any potential wildlife risks along the route.
At the conclusion of the event, Forest Range Officer Pampore Dr. Muneesa Banday distributed certificates to the participants and handed out deodar saplings under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative, encouraging afforestation and environmental conservation.
Students and officials from GDC Pampore thanked Forest Department Range Pampore for all logistical support in successful conclusion of this event.
Talking to Kashmir Convener, Range Officer Pampore, Dr. Muneesa Banday, said that the trekking programme was organized specifically for girl students in collaboration with Government Degree College Pampore. This event was conducted as part of the Forest Festival under the Forest Division Awantipora. Through this trekking programme, we aim to promote eco-tourism among the youth.
Our department has opened several trekking routes, some of which are very famous. For example, the Wahab Sahab Wasturwan trek route is quite popular, offering breathtaking views from the top, where one can experience a 360-degree view from Wasturwan.
We aim to promote such lesser-known trekking routes among the youth, especially encouraging girl students to participate in activities like trekking, mountaineering, and forest expeditions. When they explore the forests and witness nature’s treasures firsthand, people naturally get attracted to these activities.
We believe that, to some extent, we have been successful in our efforts. In today’s world, where children are often glued to screens, this initiative has encouraged them to step outside and enjoy the beauty of the forests.
She also said that after the conclusion of the event, certificates were distributed to all students and other participants.
Basically, this initiative is part of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (A Tree in Mother’s Name). As part of this, we distributed a Deodar plant to each student participant so they could take it home and plant it in their mother’s name. This initiative aims to expand the green cover not just inside forests but also outside, encouraging more greenery in our surroundings.
