The Kashmir Dialogues
Srinagar, J&K – In a significant display of inter-organizational cooperation, the Rotary Club of Kashmir (Rotary International), the Department of Community Medicine at Government Medical College (GMC) & Associated Hospitals, Srinagar (Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences), the Abdul Ahad Azad Memorial Degree college (AAAMDC) Bemina under *SEWA PARV 2025* and the J&K Forest Department (Urban Forestry division Srinagar )Kashmir Concern (Regd NGO) joined hands for a large-scale plantation drive at the Government Degree College (GDC) in Bemina today.
The event was graced by the Chief Guest, Shri M. Y. Tarigami, Honourable Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) and Chairman of the Legislative Committee on Environment. The drive underscored a shared commitment to combating environmental degradation and promoting ecological sustainability in the region.
Addressing the media on the sidelines of the event, Shri Tarigami lauded the collaborative effort, stating that such partnerships are crucial in the face of environmental challenges. In a powerful statement, he emphasized, “Collaboration, not contradiction, is the need of the hour. We have limited resources, and we need to pool them to save the Environment, which is already an emergency.”
He further stressed that proactive afforestation is key to mitigating the effects of climate change and preserving Kashmir’s fragile ecosystem for future generations.
The plantation drive saw active participation from members of all collaborating institutions, including doctors, medical students, Rotary members, forest officials, and college faculty and students. The initiative aimed not only to increase the green cover but also to foster a sense of collective responsibility towards environmental stewardship among the community, particularly the youth said Dr Touseef Bhat .
Representatives from the collaborating organizations expressed their commitment to continuing such synergistic efforts. They highlighted that this drive is the first step in a long-term partnership focused on implementing tangible environmental conservation projects across the Kashmir Valley.
