Ex-Serviceman Plants Over 30,000 Trees, Turns Environmental Conservation Into a Mission in Reasi

Ex-Serviceman Plants Over 30,000 Trees, Turns Environmental Conservation Into a Mission in ReasiREASI, Planting more than 30,000 trees in his locality, Reasi-based ex-serviceman Raj Kumar has turned his post-service life into a sustained campaign for environmental conservation, cleanliness and responsible waste management.Kumar, who spent years serving the country in the armed forces, began his environmental work after returning to his hometown. He established a nursery at his residence and gradually expanded his plantation activities, making tree planting one of the central pillars of his efforts.His commitment to environmental protection was shaped in part by his experience in the Northeast, particularly Arunachal Pradesh, where he observed local communities maintaining clean surroundings and living in close harmony with nature. The experience left a lasting impression on him and motivated him to carry the same sense of responsibility back to Reasi.Beyond plantation, Kumar has also been promoting better waste-management practices. He has been associated with the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) and has taken up “Waste to Art” initiatives, using discarded plastic and other waste materials to create useful and creative items.A significant part of his efforts is focused on educating children. Kumar visits nearby schools and introduces students to the concept of eco-bricks, in which non-biodegradable plastic waste is packed into discarded plastic bottles to create sturdy reusable blocks. Through these activities, he encourages students to understand the importance of reducing waste and reusing materials.Kumar also highlights the need for greater public responsibility towards the environment, particularly in view of problems such as forest fires. His work is based on the belief that environmental protection requires changes in everyday habits and greater awareness at the individual level.His sustained efforts over the past three years have also received recognition, with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha making a special mention of his work during the radio programme Awaam Ki Awaaz. The recognition brought attention to his contribution towards environmental conservation and civic responsibility.Apart from plantation and waste-management activities, Kumar participates in local cleanliness drives and provides food to birds during the summer months.For Kumar, retirement from the armed forces marked not an end to service, but a change in its direction. From protecting the nation in uniform to nurturing its natural environment, he continues to pursue the same principle of service through a different mission — working towards a cleaner and greener Reasi.