In a significant push toward environmental sustainability, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has deployed drone technology for seed dispersal and planted over 17 lakh saplings under its annual green initiative in the Trikuta Hills of Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district.
Officials said the initiative aims to preserve the natural grandeur of the revered cave shrine and promote ecological balance in the region. “The Board has leveraged drone technology for seed dispersal and planted over 1.7 million saplings under its annual green plan,” said SMVDSB Chief Executive Officer Anshul Garg on Friday.
Garg called the effort a “model of institutional partnership and community engagement in environmental conservation,” crediting collaborative efforts between the Shrine Board and various organizations.
Among the key partners is the Central Government Pensioners Welfare Association (CGPWA), Jammu. The association has actively contributed to raising awareness and encouraging sustainable practices through its outreach network.
“With the support of CGPWA, we’ve been able to amplify eco-protection efforts and promote sustainable living in the local community,” Garg said.
Marking the monsoon season, SMVDSB and CGPWA have also revived the “Vaishnavi Vatika” plant sale counter at Vaishnavi Dham in Jammu. The counter offers around 28 native plant species — all grown in the Shrine Board’s state-of-the-art nursery in Kunia village, near Katra.
“These indigenous species are carefully selected for their adaptability to the local climate and ecosystem, giving the public a chance to participate in grassroots environmental preservation,” Garg added.
Under the chairmanship of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, the Shrine Board has also taken strides in solar energy, waste and water management, and eco-conscious greening efforts across the shrine complex and surrounding areas.
