Army launches afforestation drive in J-K

The Army has launched an afforestation drive in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district to increase the green cover in the region, a defence spokesman said Thursday.

The Army in coordination with the Forest Department here conducted the drive at Chhatru belt of Kishtwar district, he said.

Saplings, including fruit bearing plants like apple, walnuts, Deodar and Kail, were planted along the foothills of the Pir Panjal ranges and other areas which have seen a large scale deforestation, the spokesman said.

The initiative was part of a drive by the Army to spread awareness about importance of conservation of nature and to persuade the local populace to bring an end to the menace of deforestation, he said.