‘Go Green Kashmir’ project to plant 1 million trees across J&K

Srinagar, Dec 19: In a major private-sector initiative aimed at restoring Kashmir’s fragile ecology, Trumboo Industries Private Limited (TIPL) and Kashmir Geographic Eco-Cooperative Limited (KGECL) have signed a 15-year Memorandum of Understanding to launch the Go Green Kashmir: One Million Trees Afforestation Project.

The project will cover the entire Union Territory, with a special focus on the Pampore–Khrew–Khonmoh belt under the VIHI District eco-restoration plan. The VIHI District spans Pampore tehsil in Pulwama from Athwajan to Khonmoh in Srinagar, encompassing saffron karewas, wetlands and Wasturwan forests identified for targeted ecological restoration.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Abhijeet Joshi, Regional Director, Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC), Divisional Officer, Pulwama Er. Bilal Ahmad Khan, and representatives from the corporate sector.

The initiative aims to address land degradation, groundwater stress and loss of native vegetation through large-scale plantation of climate-resilient species. The project seeks to regenerate watersheds, enhance carbon sequestration and improve biodiversity across degraded slopes, village commons and Wasturwan catchment areas.

Project Director Go Green Kashmir, Nadeem Ahmad Dar, said the initiative focuses on long-term ecological recovery rather than symbolic plantation drives. “This is not just about planting trees. It is about restoring damaged land and water sources and protecting livelihoods for future generations,” he said.

The afforestation drive is scheduled to be formally launched on March 21, 2026, coinciding with the International Day of Forests. Under the programme, saplings will be monitored for two to three years to ensure survival and long-term ecological impact.

JKPCC Regional Director Abhijeet Joshi said the project reflects a collaborative approach to environmental protection. “This MoU represents a shared commitment to safeguarding Kashmir’s environment by bringing together government institutions, corporate partners and local communities,” he said.

The initiative aligns with the Jammu and Kashmir government’s ongoing restoration efforts and is backed by JKPCC, with an emphasis on sustained, data-driven strategies to tackle climate stress and ecological degradation in the Valley.