Samba, June 6
In a befitting observance of World Environment Day 2026, themed “Inspired by Nature, For Climate, For Our Future,” the Chinar Eco Warriors in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir Forest Department, organised an Eco-Conservation Seminar at the Auditorium, Samba Military Station, here today.
The seminar was conducted in close coordination with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Border Security Force (BSF), Jammu & Kashmir Police, Village Defence Guards and other local stakeholders, exemplifying a spirit of inter-agency cooperation and collective commitment towards environmental preservation.
The first keynote speaker, O.P. Vidyarthi, IFS (Retd), former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, J&K, Sahitya Akademi Award laureate and renowned Tree Talk Architect, delivered an enlightening discourse on “Medicinal and Heritage Plants of Jammu & Kashmir: Conservation and Sustainable Utilisation.” Drawing upon his vast experience, he highlighted the ecological, cultural and therapeutic significance of the region’s indigenous flora and stressed the imperative of conserving this invaluable natural heritage.
The second keynote address was delivered by Pradeepchandra P. Wahule, IFS, Conservator of Forests, Jammu East Circle, and a distinguished artist and poet, on the theme “From Awareness to Action: Building a Greener Tomorrow.” He eloquently underscored the need to transform environmental consciousness into meaningful action through sustainable practices, community participation and responsible stewardship of natural resources.
Addressing the gathering, the Station Commander expressed his sincere gratitude to the distinguished speakers for their insightful deliberations and commended the active participation of all stakeholders. He particularly lauded the exemplary spirit of jointness and synergy displayed by all administrative agencies and uniformed services within the station, which has significantly contributed to advancing environmental initiatives in the region. The programme concluded with an Environmental Pledge Ceremony, reaffirming the participants’ commitment towards ecological conservation.
