Srinagar, Mar 21: On the occasion of World Arbor Day, Forest and Environment Minister, Mian Altaf Ahmad today launched the plantation drive undertaken by the Air Force at Air Force Station here by planting a sapling. 
 Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station Air Commodore Upkarjit Singh, was also present on the occasion.
 Air force men, their families, school children, scouts and guides planted the saplings.
 Speaking on the occasion, Altaf exhorted upon all the people especially, the civil society and armed forces to plant trees in their surroundings to protect the environment from the ill effects of degradation.
 “We all need to ensure that the picturesque Valley retains its pristine beauty through plantation of Deodar trees,” he said and complimented the efforts made by Air Force Station for undertaking the tree plantation drive and assured all possible co-operation and know-how from his department.
 Air Commodore, Upkarjit Singh, AOC thanked the Minister for gracing the occasion.
 Meanwhile, World plantation day was also observed at Pampore and Kanji Nagh Tral.
 A function was organised at Pampore which was attended by Deputy Commissioner, Shafat Noor, SP Awantipora and DFO Social Forestry.
 A similar function was held by Lidder Forest Awantipora division at Kanji Nagh Nursery in Tral.
 Official planted Kairo and Deodar saplings during the function and highlighted the importance of plantation. Locals and school children were also present.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 21 Mar 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 21 Mar 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 IST