BSF embarks on 'My Duty, My Earth' environmental awareness campaign in J and K

Border Security Force (BSF) on Sunday continued development work in Jammu and Kashmir by launching a large-scale campaign of tree plantation, in order to spread awareness against the hazards of deforestation.

Security officials said that decreasing number of trees in the recent years was a cause of concern and this plantation drive was an effort to make the valley greener.

"We have taken this step for safeguarding the environment along with the border. We will continue this initiative and we will plant trees and care for them whenever and wherever we get a chance. And we have taken a pledge to nullify the effect of the environmental hazard that our nature is facing due to the felling of trees for the past many years," said Prakash Pandey, a BSF official.

The Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of BSF said that the initiative was a combined effort of multiple groups.

"This initiative is not only restricted to the Border Security Force. Last year, it was planned that all the uniformed forces, CRPF, would coordinate with mediapersons and would work under the banner of 'My Duty, My Earth', Deputy Inspector General of Border Security Force AK Tiwari said.

Around 150 trees were planted on the first day of this programme, which has been organised by the BSF throughout Jammu and Kashmir.

The environmental drive, which has been titled "My Earth, My Duty" is expected to continue till August 21.

The officials vowed to make an effort in the afforestation drive in order to conserve the forest cover of Jammu and Kashmir.

The increase of tourism and construction in Jammu and Kashmir has posed severe threats to the forest cover and has damaged the scenic beauty of the valley in the last few years.