Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. KATRA: Continuing its efforts toward environmental conservation and ecological restoration, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has commenced the winter plantation drive along with the second phase of aerial seed dispersal in the Trikuta Hills. A demonstration exercise was held today at SMVD Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Kakryal. The seed dispersal activity shall be carried out over the week taking advantage of favourable weather conditions to improve seed germination and achieve better ecological outcomes.
It may be recalled that the aerial seeding plan has been formulated by the Shrine Board to improve green cover in the inaccessible areas of the Trikuta Hills over the next ten years. The programme recorded an estimated 3% ecological regeneration success rate, which is considered meaningful given the challenging terrain of the region. Despite steep slopes, rocky surfaces, and uneven soil depth, some of the dispersed seeds germinated successfully, resulting in early vegetation growth that helped improve soil stability and green cover. The experience also provided useful insights about suitable plant species, which are now being used to make the current phase more effective.
The existing phase aims to cover approximately 83 hectares across identified locations including Banj Nallah, Khari Extension, and parts of Barkli, Koura Sumb, Kalal, Banjala and Matali Dabbar located on the right side of the Shrine Board’s Serli Helipad. The activity involves the aerial dispersal of seeds of various species like Amla, Anaar, Siris, Karangal, Thuja, Gulmohar and Bamboo etc. to enhance green cover and support ecological restoration in these hilly and environmentally sensitive areas.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB said that as per the directions of Shri Manoj Sinha, Hon’ble Chairman, SMVDSB (Lt. Governor, JK-UT), the Shrine Board has made significant progress in increasing the green cover in the Shrine area. He highlighted that through the Annual Greening Plans (AGPs), more than 19 lakh saplings have been planted in recent years to preserve the natural beauty and ecological balance of the sacred region.
He further affirmed that the aerial-based afforestation drive complements several other environmentally responsible initiatives undertaken by the Shrine Board including the adoption of solar energy, scientific waste management through a ban on single-use plastic and segregation of waste at source as well as water conservation measures across the Shrine complex and adjoining areas. A plantation drive was also organized on the occasion, reinforcing the Shrine Board’s broader commitment to promoting environmentally responsible practices.
Those present on the occasion were senior officers of the Shrine Board including Addl. Chief Executive Officer, Jt. Chief Executive Officer, FA/Chief Accounts Officer, Asstt. Chief Executive Officers, Asstt. Conservator of Forests along with the Executive Director of SMVDIME. Besides, Commandant CRPF, senior officials from the Shrine Board’s Nursing and Medical College alongwith staff and field personnel from the Forest Wing, CRPF and a large number of students from the Shrine Board’s Nursing College (SMVDCoN) also volunteered their services for the plantation drive.
