SAMBA, JUNE 5: In a remarkable demonstration of environmental stewardship and collective civic responsibility, Samba district celebrated World Environment Day 2026 with a massive district-wide plantation campaign, resulting in the plantation of over 1,045 saplings across public spaces, government institutions, educational establishments, municipal areas, and panchayats.
The campaign was conducted under the dynamic guidance and visionary leadership of Deputy Commissioner Samba, Ms. Ayushi Sudan, whose commitment to environmental conservation inspired widespread participation from officials, employees, and citizens across the district.
The celebrations commenced at the historic Samba Fort, where a plantation drive was organised by the Chief Executive Officer, Municipal Council Samba, Mr. Jodh Raj. On the occasion, Additional District Development Commissioner, Ms. Champa Devi, JKAS, planted saplings and urged citizens to embrace tree plantation as both a civic duty and a moral responsibility towards future generations. She remarked that every sapling planted today represents a seed of hope for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable tomorrow.
Simultaneously, a plantation drive was organised at the Block Development Office, Samba, under the leadership of Block Development Officer, Mr. Saqib Sharief Khan, JKAS. Assistant Commissioner Development, Samba, Mr. Rafiq Ahmad Jaral, JKAS, participated in the programme and planted saplings while delivering a strong message on environmental protection. He called upon citizens to preserve natural resources, reduce plastic consumption, maintain cleanliness in their surroundings, and actively contribute to combating the growing menace of drug abuse. Drawing a meaningful connection between environmental and social well-being, he observed that a healthy environment is fundamental to building a healthy society.
Another major plantation programme was held within the Deputy Commissioner’s Office Complex, organised under the aegis of Divisional Forest Officer, Samba, Mr. Shahzad Choudhary. A variety of ornamental, shade-bearing, and fruit-bearing saplings were planted, reflecting the district administration’s resolve to strengthen and sustain the green cover of the district.
The plantation campaign extended across all municipal areas, panchayats, educational institutions, and government offices. According to details furnished by the Assistant Commissioner Development, Samba, plantation activities were conducted in nearly every panchayat and village, with Panchayat Secretaries and field functionaries ensuring extensive grassroots participation.
In another significant initiative, Block Development Officer, Bari Brahmana, Ms. Parul Khajuria, JKAS, organised a dedicated plantation drive within her jurisdiction. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from officials, employees, and local residents. Assistant Commissioner Development, Samba, Mr. Rafiq Ahmad Jaral, JKAS, attended the event and planted saplings, reiterating the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable practices in everyday life.
With more than 1,045 saplings planted in a single day, Samba district recorded a notable achievement, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to building a greener, cleaner, and more climate-resilient future.
Through collective resolve and coordinated action, the district administration and the people of Samba transformed World Environment Day 2026 into a meaningful exercise in environmental citizenship, laying the foundation for a lasting green legacy for generations to come.
