Chinar Eco Warriors celebrate Van Mahotsav and launch fruit orchard initiative in Samba

SAMBA, Jul 7: Chinar Eco Warriors, in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir State Forest Department, organized a series of environmental awareness and community engagement programs across various locations in Jammu.

Held as part of Van Mahotsav 2026 and the Territorial Army outreach initiative called Know Your TA, the events aimed to foster environmental stewardship, enhance public awareness of the ecological role of the Territorial Army, and promote sustainable afforestation practices.

The celebrations commenced with a summer camp for children and ladies at Samba Military Station, where participants were introduced to the ecological responsibilities of the unit and attended interactive sessions on conservation and sustainable living. Attendees also learned about Vamana Vriksha Kala, the ancient Indian horticultural art of cultivating miniature trees that later inspired the global art form of Bonsai, before touring the unit nursery to observe innovative eco-restoration techniques like Miyawaki forests and Kokedama cultivation.

As part of the wider outreach activities, Chinar Eco Warriors conducted an extensive Eco Protection Seminar at Sumb village to highlight the long-term benefits of afforestation, soil conservation, and water management. Following the seminar, an enthusiastic community plantation drive was undertaken jointly by the unit personnel and local villagers under the leadership of Naib Subedar Mintu Kumar.

Additionally, in furtherance of the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative, fruit-bearing saplings were distributed among the youth of Dhalote to inspire them to become active custodians of nature. The comprehensive series of green initiatives culminated with the inauguration of a Fal Vatika fruit orchard at the Samba Military Station by the Station Commander, reinforcing the military establishment’s commitment to nutritional security, ecological restoration, and sustainable community partnerships.