Jammu News: In a bid to raise voter awareness while simultaneously promoting environmental sustainability, a significant plantation drive was held at the Model Higher Secondary School in Domana, Block Bhalwal. The initiative, part of the ongoing Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) campaign for the upcoming Assembly elections, is aimed at engaging the local community, particularly the youth, in fostering democratic values alongside ecological responsibility.
The event was spearheaded by Sh. P. K. Pole, IAS, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Jammu & Kashmir, who emphasized the dual goals of the campaign—enhancing voter participation and encouraging sustainable practices. He was accompanied by Sh. Sachin Kumar Vaishya, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Jammu, as well as senior officials from the district administration, including the Director of the Forest Protection Force, J&K.
Speaking on the occasion, Sh. P. K. Pole stressed the importance of active citizenship, both in terms of voting and taking care of the environment. “The SVEEP campaign is not just about voting—it’s about fostering a sense of civic duty among citizens. As voters, we have the power to shape the future, and as individuals, we have the responsibility to protect our environment for future generations,” he remarked.
This collaborative event brought together students, faculty members, officers from the District Administration, and representatives from the Forest Department, to plant a variety of tree saplings on the school grounds. The Director of the Forest Protection Force echoed the need for such initiatives to be replicated across educational institutions, noting the vital role schools play in shaping young minds towards responsible citizenship.
Dr. Vikas Sharma, Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD) Jammu and Nodal Officer for SVEEP in the district, highlighted the importance of integrating such initiatives with voter education programs. “By engaging students in plantation drives like this, we are making them more conscious of both their voting rights and environmental stewardship. These actions symbolize the nurturing of a greener, more democratic future.”
The SVEEP campaign has been an ongoing effort across Jammu & Kashmir, with the purpose of increasing voter turnout, especially among first-time voters and marginalized communities. This plantation drive was seen as an opportunity to blend the principles of democratic engagement with tangible contributions to environmental conservation.
Staff and students of Model Higher Secondary School, Domana, actively participated in the plantation drive, demonstrating enthusiasm for both causes. Several students expressed their excitement over being part of a larger initiative that connects voter education to broader societal benefits. “Planting trees is something we can do today for a better tomorrow, just like casting a vote is a step towards building a better government for our future,” said one of the participating students.
The event concluded with an appeal from the Chief Electoral Officer to the community to ensure full participation in the upcoming Assembly elections, reiterating that voting is not just a right but a fundamental civic duty.
This initiative reflects the increasing convergence of social issues, where voter education, environmental sustainability, and community engagement come together to create a more aware and responsible society. The SVEEP campaign will continue with more such events in the run-up to the Assembly elections, creating greater awareness among the electorate while also emphasizing the importance of sustainable development practices.
