Mehbooba Mufti Invokes Islamic Teachings, Kashmiri Tradition to Promote Plantation Drive in Srinagar
Srinagar, March 25, KNT: Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday invoked Islamic teachings and Kashmiri spiritual tradition to stress the importance of tree plantation, urging people to plant more trees to safeguard the environment.
Speaking to reporters during a plantation drive at her party office in Srinagar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief said environmental conservation holds deep roots in both religion and local cultural wisdom.
Mehbooba Mufti said Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had emphasized the importance of planting trees, describing them as a source of life and sustenance.
“Plants and forests are life. Our faith teaches us to protect and nurture nature,” she said, calling for greater public participation in plantation efforts.
She also referred to the teachings of the revered Kashmiri saint Sheikh-ul-Alam, also known as Nund Reshi, highlighting the well-known proverb: “An poshi teli yeli wan poshi,” which underscores the connection between forests and food security.
The proverb, attributed to the 15th-century saint-poet, translates to “Food will last as long as forests last,” emphasizing the ecological interdependence between humans and nature.
Mufti said such teachings remain relevant in the face of environmental challenges and declining forest cover.
The PDP chief led a plantation drive at the party office, where workers and volunteers participated in planting saplings as part of the initiative.
She appealed to the public to plant as many trees as possible and contribute to environmental conservation efforts across the region.
The initiative comes amid growing concerns over environmental degradation, deforestation and climate-related challenges in Kashmir. [KNT]
