Bandipora, June 5: Hills and Hearts Foundation, in collaboration with the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), Bandipora, and the Forest Department, Bandipora, celebrated World Environment Day by organizing a plantation drive in the picturesque Panar area of Bandipora district.
As part of the initiative, 40 saplings were planted on a designated patch identified for ecological restoration and greening efforts. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from around 60 girls and women, underscoring the importance of involving women and youth in environmental conservation activities.
Speaking on the occasion, Founder and Executive Director of Hills and Hearts Foundation, Kifayatullah Malik, emphasized that environmental protection requires practical action alongside awareness.
“Conservation without action is merely a conversation. While awareness is important, meaningful change occurs when people actively participate in protecting nature through initiatives such as tree plantation, waste reduction, conservation of natural resources and adoption of sustainable practices,” he said.
Highlighting the role of women in driving social change, Malik said the Foundation intentionally involved girls and women in the plantation drive with the support of DHEW. He noted that women have the ability to influence families, communities and future generations, making them powerful advocates for environmental responsibility.
The participants were sensitized about afforestation, biodiversity conservation, climate action and sustainable living practices. Organizers stressed the need for collective responsibility in safeguarding natural ecosystems and addressing environmental challenges.
The plantation drive was organized as part of the Foundation’s broader vision of building environmentally conscious and resilient communities through grassroots interventions, awareness campaigns, educational programmes and community engagement initiatives.
The event concluded with a collective pledge by participants to protect the environment, care for the planted saplings and promote environmental awareness within their communities.
The Foundation reiterated its commitment to environmental conservation and called upon citizens, particularly young people, to play an active role in preserving forests, reducing pollution and protecting natural resources for future generations.
“One Tree Today, A Forest Tomorrow,” was the message that resonated throughout the programme.
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