Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, July 22: The Municipal Committee, Katra in collaboration with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) celebrated Van Mahotsav at a function organised at the Government Higher Secondary School, Katra today.
Ajeet Kumar Sahu, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, who was the chief guest on this occasion, launched the Van Mahotsav plantation drive by planting a sapling of Mahogany in the premises of Higher Secondary School, Katra.
Speaking on the occasion, Sahu emphasised the need for ensuring adequate care and protection of newly planted saplings so that their long term survival is ensured. He urged that the Municipal Committee, Katra should raise more such green belts of fast growing, ornamental and flowering species so that there is optimum possible greenery in Katra, which is the base town for pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji. He assured that for the purpose, the Shrine Board will provide all possible support to the Municipal Committee.
B. Mohandaas, Additional CEO, SMVDSB and Administrator, Municipal Committee, Katra, in his welcome address, said that a number of plants of fast growing and ornamental and flowering species will be planted at Katra during the month long Van Mahotsav. He said that the main objective of this plantation drive is to improve greenery in the town through participation of the Government organisations, NGOs, students and people at large. He added about 250 saplings were planted in the Katra town today as part of celebration of Van Mahotsav.
Devinder Singh Bhau, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB also spoke on the occasion.
Among those present on the occasion were Dr. M. K. Kumar, Additional Chief Executive Officer, Pankaj Sharma, Pankaj Gupta and Amit Vermani, Deputy CEOs of the Shrine Board, Anil Chandel, SDM, Katra, Sumir Kotwal, Additional SP, Katra, Rajinder Singh, OSD, SMVDSB and prominent citizens.
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