In a major push towards enhancing Srinagar’s green cover and making all waste management facilities of J&K green with dense bio fencing, Commissioner Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department (HUDD), Mandeep Kaur today launched a Mega Plantation Drive under the banner of “Sewa Parv 2025” in collaboration with Self Help Groups (SHGs) and UEED.

MD NULM; CEO Urban Development Agency; SE,UEED and other senior officers of UEED, Urban Forestry Division SMC, and members of SHGs participated in the inaugural event.

Speaking on the occasion, Mandeep Kaur emphasized on the importance of expanding urban green spaces to obviate the ugly look and public nuisance created by bad odour emanating from these facilities. She added that the expanded green cover will also enhance the air quality and create a healthier living environment.

She urged citizens, community groups and students to actively participate in the plantation drives and adopt the motto “Ek Paed Maa Ke Naam, Ek Paed Desh Ke Naam”.

The drive, formally kick-started at the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) Allochi Bagh, will cover four STPs across Srinagar, with a target of providing two layered bio fence around each STP facility and surround all these facilities by dense green cover over the years which will not only improve the aesthetics of the neighbourhood, but will also enhance green cover of the city. It will focus on native species, with the aim of strengthening ecological resilience and improving the urban environment.

The drive is part of the Sewa Parv 2025 celebrations, reflecting the government’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community participation in sustainable urban development.