Srinagar | The Azadi Times – Marking World Environment Day (Yom-e-Maholiyat) on Thursday, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) announced a large-scale green initiative aimed at planting 100,000 trees across the city in 2025. The effort is part of a broader campaign to combat environmental degradation in Kashmir’s rapidly urbanizing capital.
Speaking to local reporters, SMC Commissioner Dr. Owais Ahmad said that 60,000 trees have already been planted this year across various parts of Srinagar under a citywide plantation drive. “On the occasion of Yom-e-Maholiyat, we are running a special campaign to green Srinagar. Our target is to plant one lakh (100,000) trees by the end of this year,” he stated.
“We are not only planting trees ourselves but also actively involving citizens and local communities,” Dr. Ahmad added. “If each individual commits to taking care of just one sapling, we can resolve many of our environmental challenges.”
A Climate-Responsive Urban Vision for Kashmir
Srinagar, a historic city nestled in the Kashmir Valley and prone to both flooding and air pollution, is facing mounting ecological pressure due to urban expansion and climate-related shifts. Officials say the plantation drive is part of a long-term environmental resilience strategy, aligning local goals with global climate action.
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Commissioner Ahmad noted that public participation is key to ensuring the survival and growth of the planted saplings. SMC is working with local volunteers, schools, and civic groups to raise environmental awareness and deepen civic engagement.
Eid-ul-Adha: Civic Preparedness in Place
As the region prepares to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha, Dr. Owais Ahmad also confirmed that comprehensive preparations have been finalized to ensure cleanliness and sanitation throughout the city.
“We have formed special teams that will go door to door to collect animal waste after sacrificial offerings,” the Commissioner stated, emphasizing that the SMC is prepared to handle the increased volume of organic waste in a timely and hygienic manner.
“Cleanliness during Eid is not just a civic duty but a reflection of our shared responsibility towards each other and the environment.”
Global Significance, Local Action
World Environment Day, observed globally on June 5, is known as Yom-e-Maholiyat in Urdu. It is a day to reflect on climate action, sustainability, and environmental justice. In Kashmir, the initiative by the Srinagar Municipal Corporation represents a significant step towards urban ecological renewal, with a focus on both long-term sustainability and immediate community well-being.
As climate-related challenges intensify globally, Kashmir’s local institutions are increasingly linking religious, cultural, and civic life with environmental consciousness—a model that offers insights for other regions balancing tradition and modern sustainability goals.
