By | Meer Iqbal
Srinagar: Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Medical College, Bemina, and Urban Forestry Division Srinagar undertook a spectacular plantation drive to commemorate World Plantation Day in a renewed pledge toward environmental conservation and sustainability. Principal SKIMS MC, Prof. Fazlul Qadir Parray’s tireless efforts towards a greener campus made this event a resounding success.
The plantation drive was flagged off by Director SKIMS & EOSG, Prof. Ashraf A. Ganie, and Prof. Fazlul Qadir Parray, Chief Conservator of Forests (Kashmir), Irfan Rasool Wani, and Conservator Srinagar Circle, Mr. Tawheed Deva. Through active intervention of the Urban Forestry Division Srinagar and Hospital Engineering, Landscape & Estates Department SKIMS MC, the occasion witnessed the installation of over 500 deodar saplings, ornamental, and decorative plants, and the campus turned into a verdant green environment.
While addressing the gathering, Prof. Fazlul Qadir Parray highlighted the significance of trees for maintaining environmental equilibrium, purity in air, and water harvesting. His stewardship has ensured that SKIMS MC becomes an institution that showcases the importance of sustainability. He complimented the initiatives of Urban Forestry Division Srinagar and expressed heartfelt appreciation to Nodal Officer, Mr. Ayaz Ahmad Dar, whose passion and careful planning turned the drive into a massive success.
The programme was augmented by a rich Kashmiri poetry recital by Miss Rehana, emphasizing the strong relationship between nature and culture. Conservator Mr. Tawheed Deva gave important commentary on forest health, emphasizing the need for afforestation of utmost priority. Chief Conservator of Forests, Mr. Irfan Rasool Wani, emphasized the long-term advantage of tree plantation in ensuring ecological equilibrium, enhancing public health, and promoting clean drinking water.
In his valedictory address, Prof. Fazlul Qadir Parray wished to put on record his deep appreciation of the Urban Forestry Department, the faculty, Medical Superintendent Dr. Shifa Deva, DMS, nursing staff, security guards, and all others involved in this earnest cause. His vision and enthusiasm for the cause of environment conservation remain an inspiration for the faculty members as well as students alike, making SKIMS MC a shining example of sustainability.
This mega plantation drive is a testament to Prof. Fazlul Qadir Parray’s visionary vision and his unflinching commitment towards making SKIMS MC Bemina a greener, healthier, and more eco-friendly institution. His commitment towards creating sustainability is a benchmark for other institutions to emulate, and hence this initiative is not merely an event, but a movement towards a greener and cleaner future.
