Srinagar, Oct 16 (KNO): As part of the Go Green Srinagar campaign launched by local environmental organization J&K Ecowatch, a tree plantation drive was held on Thursday at the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar, marking the formal start of the initiative.
Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir, Dr. Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq, planted a tree in the vicinity of the grand mosque, symbolizing a collective commitment to environmental protection and a greener future for the Valley, a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) reads.
Speaking on the occasion, Mirwaiz said that Islam places great emphasis on the protection of nature and the responsible use of the earth’s resources, reminding that the Qur’an calls the earth an Amānah (trust) from Allah. He cited the Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) saying that “planting a tree is an act of charity,” and urged people to consider such efforts as forms of ʿibādah (worship).
Referring to the growing challenge of climate change and extreme weather, Mirwaiz said that floods, droughts, and rising temperatures are reminders of the imbalance caused by human excess and neglect. “Protecting the environment, reducing plastic use, and planting trees are not symbolic acts — they are our moral, social, and religious responsibility,” he said.
Later, addressing the Go Green Srinagar event held at NITIANS Srinagar, Mirwaiz welcomed the initiative of Advocate Nadeem Qadri and his team of volunteers at JK Ecowatch, appreciating their sustained efforts to make Srinagar cleaner, greener, and plastic-free. He said such campaigns are vital to inspire public participation in safeguarding the environment and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
Mirwaiz expressed hope that the initiative would expand to schools, mohallas, and other mosques, so that the message of environmental stewardship spreads across the Valley. “Let the Jama Masjid — the spiritual and social heart of Srinagar also become the starting point of a green awakening,” he added—(KNO)