Suhail Khan
Kupwara, May 27 : Abdul Ahad Khan, a 38-year-old resident of the Nagri area in Kupwara district, North Kashmir, has spent the past 15 years selflessly planting and nurturing chinar trees, aiming to protect this iconic species from vanishing in the region.
In an interview with The Web Story, Ahad expressed his deep love for nature and his desire to ensure the Chinar remains a prominent sight in the area. Driven by this passion, he has been planting Chinars across the district, transforming empty spaces into flourishing forests.
Ahad revealed that he went a step further in his mission by planting 750 Chinar trees on the land owned by a local department. His intention was to ensure that the department would provide proper care and support for the growth of these trees. Remarkably, Ahad does not charge for his efforts, emphasizing his commitment to a greener and cleaner environment.
Recalling the beginnings of his campaign, Ahad stated that he initially focused on forest land. He would depart from home early in the morning and dedicate the entire day to tending to the forest, diligently planting trees. Encouragingly, Ahad faced no opposition; instead, he received encouragement and support from the community for his noble cause.
“We must continue planting more trees and strive to make the earth green. This is how we will ensure our survival,” Ahad passionately declared, underscoring the significance of environmental conservation.
Abdul Ahad Khan serves as an inspiring example, defying age stereotypes and demonstrating that an unwavering love for a green environment can foster mutual care between humans and nature.