Exceptional Mission of J&K Youth Welfare Forum for A Green & Clean Lolab

This ambitious endeavor is taking root as a result of an intensive collaboration with the Kupwara Forest Office. The team of JKYWF, led by Chairman Aijaz Bhat, has voluntarily dedicated themselves to this mission. Their journey is a testament to the potential for positive change that community engagement can bring

Planting the Seeds of Sustainability: The core of this mission is the transformation of open spaces into verdant ones via extensive tree planting. These verdant oases have the potential to be a refuge for biodiversity and a source of clean oxygen for the local community. In addition to incorporating an ecological component, the mission places a significant emphasis on sanitation, imploring the community to assume the responsibility of preserving their environs.

From Cleaning to Greening: The dedication of the JKYWF team extends well beyond tree plantation. They have taken on the immense task of clearing up the forest areas as well as villages of Lolab sogam, Chandigam, Dorusa, Lalpora, and Warnow, among other locations. They have also launched compaign Clean Lolab green Lolab and cleaned Govt and local institutions as well. They are highly thankful to those who assisted and supported them in this campaign, they say  With the assistance of a number of local stakeholders, including SDM offices, educational institutions, healthcare institutions, law enforcement, PRI members, local youth, and civil society in Lolab, the team has made significant progress in cleaning up heaps of garbage, plastic, and other waste. Their combined efforts are transforming these regions into pristine natural havens.

A Tree for the Future: The innumerable trees that have been planted throughout Lolab, from Chandigam to Gundimacher to Lalpora to Sogam, represent transformation. Aijaz Bhat and his dedicated team have left an indelible mark on the community, not only through their actions but also through the inspiration they have created. Their unwavering dedication to planting thousands of trees is more than just a symbol of change; it is a genuine demonstration of their commitment to the environment.

Acknowledging Green and Clean Partners: The Department of Forests, Kupwara, has provided the JKYWF with crucial support and guidance on this journey. Mr. Zahid Moghal, DFO of Kupwara, and Mr. Zahoor Ahmad, Range Officer of Sogam, have been instrumental in mentoring the team and facilitating their environmental efforts. The former Range Officer, Hyder Ali, and all ground-level Forest Department employees in Kupwara have been crucial to the accomplishment of this mission.

A DFO Vision:  Aijaz Bhat’s acknowledgement of Mr. Zahid Moghal’s crucial role as DFO of Kupwara is evidence of the leadership’s influence. He stated, “Mr. Moghal is our mission’s inspiration. His foresight and commitment persuaded us to strive towards a greener and cleaner Kupwara. Mr. Moghal took us under his protection and inspired us to participate in this mission. Even more, he inspired me to engage in environmental research.”

A broader position:The JKYWF, led by Aijaz Bhat, is not limited to environmental initiatives alone. Their multifaceted approach encompasses healthcare, the promotion of brotherhood, financial assistance, healthcare support, marriages of needy and poor girls, youth engagements, Drug Free Kashmir and educational realted initiatives. Due to the global challenge posed by climate change, however, their mission of environmental preservation holds a special position. Aijaz Bhat emphasizes, “The environment is one of the most important issues we must all address because climate change is the most pressing problem our planet faces today.” It can be addressed through tree planting, cleanliness campaigns, and community participation.”

A Signal of Change: In the tranquil valleys of Lolab, the “Green and Clean Lolab” mission of the JKYWF serves as a beacon of change. It demonstrates the potential of grass-roots initiatives fueled by community collaboration, bolstered by inspirational leadership, and supported by a dedication to environmental stewardship. This mission’s message reverberates far beyond Lolab’s borders. It testifies to the global need for collective environmental action, as the challenges of climate change emerge larger than ever before. It is a testament to the force of collaboration and the indomitable will of local communities to transform their surroundings and, by extension, the world.

In the voyage to create a greener and cleaner Lolab, the JKYWF serves as an illustrative model, serving as a reminder that change begins at home and spreads globally. It is a mission that could lead to a more sustainable, resilient, and harmonious future.