Shrine Board, CGPWA collaborative green effort at Vaishnavi Vatika Jammu

Shrine Board, CGPWA collaborative green effort at Vaishnavi Vatika Jammu

Katra,In a significant step towards environmental conservation, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) and the Central Government Pensioners Welfare Association (CGPWA), Jammu had joined hands in 2024 to foster eco-protection and sustainable practices in the local community.

With the onset of the monsoon season this year, SMVDSB and CGPWA have once again come together to offer various plant spices to public through the 'Vaishnavi Vatika' Plant Sale Counter at Vaishnavi Dham, Rail Head Complex, Jammu, inaugurated last year by the Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB. This initiative exemplifies a successful institutional partnership and community engagement in environmental conservation.

The Plant Sale Counter offers a diverse selection of around 28 indigenous plant species, meticulously nurtured and cultivated in the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board's high-tech nursery situated in village Kunia, Panthal near Katra. These native plant species, well-suited to the local climate, ecosystem and are available for purchase, enabling individuals to contribute to environmental conservation and sustainability efforts.

The Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, Anshul Garg highlighted the Shrine Board's pioneering eco-friendly initiatives under the chairmanship of Hon'ble Lt. Governor JK-UT including encompassing greening efforts, waste and water management and solar power generation. He exhorted that the Board has leveraged drone technology for seed dispersal to preserve the Shrine's natural grandeur and planted over 1.7 million saplings under the Annual Green Plan. Furthermore, the collaboration with CGPWA has amplified awareness on eco-protection and promotes sustainable practices in the local community, leveraging their extensive network and outreach capabilities, he added.

Dr. Ashok Bhan, Member, SMVDSB and CGPWA, underscored the significance of environmental conservation, affirming the organization's commitment to supporting SMVDSB's eco-friendly initiatives.

At the event, Additional CEO, SMVDSB, Alok Kumar Maurya, joined by prominent CGPWA members, including BR Sharma, Kuldeep Khoda, KB Jandyal, Dr CM Seth, Ashwani Gupta, Opinder Pachnanda, Subash Chander Sharma alongwith ACF and other Shrine Board officials, ceremoniously planted diverse saplings at Vaishnavi Dham. The event also featured the distribution of various plant species to participants, encouraging community participation in sustainability initiatives