Jr Sheikh Tariq
LOC Sawjian,– In a continued effort to promote environmental awareness and cleanliness under the Green School Initiative of Swachhta Pakhwada, Model Higher Secondary School, Sawjian, located near the Line of Control (LOC) in Poonch, organized a successful plantation drive. The event was held under the supervision and guidance of Anwar Khan, Principal of Model Higher Secondary School Sawjian, and saw enthusiastic participation from students, teachers, and local authorities.
The plantation drive was organized in collaboration with the J&K Forest Department, which provided a variety of fruit-bearing and ornamental plants. These plants were thoughtfully chosen to enhance the school environment and contribute to both environmental upgradation and the beautification of the school premises. Principal Anwar Khan, along with senior staff members including Mohd Shafi (Senior Lecturer), Mohd Hayat (Master) , Ashish Gupta (Master) and Mukhtar Ahmed Teacher took part in the plantation, symbolizing a collective commitment to environmental conservation.
In addition to the plantation activities, students from the school ventured into nearby localities as part of a public outreach program. They conducted a cleanliness drive, collecting litter and educating the community about the importance of maintaining a clean and hygienic environment. Through this initiative, the students aimed to raise awareness about the critical role that cleanliness plays in public health and environmental sustainability, while reinforcing the importance of individual responsibility in keeping public spaces clean.
Anwar Khan, Principal of Model Higher Secondary School, addressed the students during the event, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a lifelong connection with nature. He encouraged the students to adopt the practice of planting a tree on each of their birthdays, making it a personal contribution to a greener and healthier future. “Each plant you nurture will grow alongside you, symbolizing your personal commitment to the environment and the world we live in,” Khan remarked, inspiring the young minds to take active ownership of the planet’s future.Khan also took the opportunity to speak about the broader aims and objectives of Swachhta Pakhwada, a government-led initiative aimed at promoting cleanliness and hygiene across schools, communities, and public spaces. He highlighted the importance of such programs in fostering a sense of environmental stewardship among students, who are the future custodians of the country’s natural resources. The Principal extended his heartfelt gratitude to the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) and the J&K Forest Department for their generous contribution of plants, emphasizing the role of partnerships in making such initiatives successful.
By organizing this event, Model Higher Secondary School Sawjian not only aimed to beautify its surroundings but also instilled valuable lessons in its students about environmental conservation, community service, and the importance of living in harmony with nature.This plantation drive and cleanliness campaign marks a significant step forward in the school’s ongoing efforts to create a greener and more sustainable future, aligning with national priorities for Swachh Bharat (Clean India) and environmental sustainability.
This initiative exemplifies how educational institutions, in collaboration with government agencies, can play a pivotal role in fostering environmental consciousness and community responsibility, particularly in regions near sensitive areas like the LOC.
