Every year on 21 March, the world observes the International Day of Forests, a day proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 to celebrate and raise awareness about the importance of all types of forests. It is a day that reminds humanity of a simple yet profound truth, forests are not merely clusters of trees; they are the lifeline of our planet.

They are the silent providers. They feed us, shelter us, heal us, and sustain us. This truth was beautifully captured centuries ago by the revered saint Sheikh ul Alam (RA), who said:
“Ann posh teli yeli wann posh.” (Food will last as long as forests last.)
This year’s theme, “Forests and Food,” draws attention to a reality often overlooked, forests are deeply intertwined with food security, nutrition, and livelihoods. From fruits, nuts, and medicinal plants to the ecosystems that support agriculture through pollination, soil fertility, and climate regulation, forests are the invisible foundation of human survival.
Yet, despite their unmatched value, forests continue to fall. They fall to unchecked urbanization. They fall to greed disguised as development. They fall to our indifference. And with every tree that disappears, a part of humanity’s future is erased.
Forests are not just green landscapes, they are the silent kitchens of the Earth. They provide food directly through fruits, herbs, mushrooms, and wild crops, and indirectly by maintaining ecological balance essential for agriculture. They regulate rainfall, prevent soil erosion, and protect water sources that nourish fields and farms.
In regions like Kashmir, forests are deeply woven into the cultural and environmental fabric of life. The towering deodars, the whispering chinars, and the dense alpine woods are not merely scenic treasures, they are guardians of biodiversity and protectors of fragile ecosystems.But today, these guardians are under threat.
Deforestation, pollution, and climate change are weakening the very systems that sustain life. And perhaps the greatest tragedy is that much of this destruction is preventable.
This year, the significance of 21 March becomes even more profound as it coincides with the joyous occasion of Eid al-Fitr. Eid is a festival of gratitude, compassion, and sharing, a time when families come together, markets come alive, and communities celebrate unity.
However, amid this celebration, an uncomfortable reality demands attention. The consumption of polythene and plastic is expected to rise dramatically. Shopping bags multiply.Bakery packaging increases. Meat distribution relies heavily on plastic wrapping. Clothing and gift packaging add to the burden.
On a normal day, plastic waste already challenges our environment. On festive occasions like Eid, its usage often triples or even exceeds that, leaving behind a trail of pollution that nature silently absorbs. But nature does not complain. It suffers.
One of the most vulnerable victims of this surge in waste is the majestic Wular Lake, one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes and a lifeline for countless communities. Every discarded polythene bag, every piece of plastic waste that finds its way into drains and waterways eventually travels towards lakes and rivers. It clogs natural water systems. It suffocates aquatic life. It pollutes drinking water sources. It disrupts ecosystems that have taken centuries to evolve. Wular Lake, already battling environmental degradation, cannot bear this additional burden. And yet, the responsibility does not lie with nature. It lies with us.
Eid teaches values of compassion, gratitude, and responsibility. What greater expression of these values can there be than protecting the Earth that sustains us? Celebration does not have to come at the cost of destruction. Small changes can create a profound impact: Choosing cloth, alternate or reusable bags instead of polythene, reducing unnecessary packaging, properly disposing of waste, encouraging eco-friendly practices within communities, spreading awareness among family and friends. When individuals act responsibly, communities transform. And when communities transform, the environment heals.
There is another quiet sacrifice we often overlook, the paper we use so casually. Paper is born from trees; it is estimated that a single mature tree can produce roughly 8,000–10,000 sheets of paper, and about 17 trees are cut to produce one ton of paper. Every unnecessary print, every wasted page is, in essence, a fragment of a forest lost. In a world already struggling to protect its green cover, mindful use of paper becomes an act of environmental responsibility. Let us write, print, and use only what is truly needed—because saving paper is, in truth, saving trees, and saving trees is saving life itself.
A moral responsibility towards Nature means a lifeline towards survival. Forests do not ask for recognition. Lakes do not demand gratitude. The Earth does not seek applause. Yet, they give endlessly. They give oxygen without expecting return. They give water without conditions. They give life without discrimination. But today, they are asking for something simple - protection.
The International Day of Forests is not just a celebration; it is a reminder of our moral responsibility. It calls upon us to rethink our actions, especially during moments of abundance and celebration. Because true celebration is not measured by how much we consume, but by how responsibly we live.
As an ancient Chinese proverb wisely reminds us:
“If you plan for a day, prepare food.
If you plan for a year, grow crops.
But if you plan for a lifetime, plant a tree.”
These timeless words echo the very essence of this day, that true vision lies not in immediate gain, but in nurturing what sustains generations
On this sacred confluence of Eid ul Fitr after a soulful Ramadhan and International Day of Forests, I humbly appeal to every individual: Let our celebrations reflect our values. Let our joy not become a burden on the Earth. Let us protect our forests, preserve our water bodies, and reduce our dependence on plastics and polythene. The beauty of Kashmir is not just our pride, it is our responsibility. And the future of Wular Lake lies in the choices we make today.
Let this Eid be not only a celebration of happiness but also a commitment to responsibility. Avoid excessive use of polythene, protect our forests, and safeguard our precious water bodies like Wular Lake. Small conscious actions today can save our environment for generations tomorrow.
"When we protect forests, we protect life itself, for when the Earth breathes, humanity lives."

Email:---------------------- saltafrasool@yahoo.com