PHAGWARA: In a significant step towards environmental sustainability, judicial officers and members of the legal fraternity participated in a sapling plantation drive at the New Judicial Court Complex in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar on Saturday. The initiative was held under the nationwide campaign “Mission One Judge, One Tree, ” aimed at promoting ecological responsibility within the judiciary.
The event was conducted in adherence to the guidelines issued by the National Legal Services Authority and the Punjab State Legal Services Authority, SAS Nagar. It was organized under the supervision of District and Sessions Judge-cum-Chairperson, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar Priya Sood and led by Dr. Amandeep, Chief Judicial Magistrate-cum-Secretary, DLSA, S.B.S. Nagar.
A diverse range of saplings was planted across the court complex premises, symbolizing a collective commitment to environmental conservation. Participating in the drive were several judicial dignitaries, including Harish Anand, Additional District and Sessions Judge Aparajita Joshi, Additional District and Sessions Judge Gagandeep Kaur, Additional District and Sessions Judge and Baljinder Singh Mann, Principal Judge, Family Court.
Also contributing to the effort were Ashok Kapoor, Chairman of the Permanent Lok Adalat (Public Utility Services); Parvinder Kaur, Civil Judge (Senior Division); Mahesh Kumar, Chief Judicial Magistrate; and other Civil Judges including Kompal Dhanjal, Tushar Kaur Thind, Simran Chalana, Tarandeep Kaur, Aanchal Dhir, Papneet Kaur, and Lovjinder Kaur. Senior members of the Bar Association, including President S.S.S. Kundra and Secretary Rajinder Singh, also took part in the plantation.
Following the plantation activity, all participants pledged to care for the saplings and ensure their growth and survival, reinforcing the long-term vision of the campaign.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Priya Sood highlighted the urgent need to preserve green spaces and restore environmental balance. She underlined the benefits of tree plantation in providing clean air, improving public health, and mitigating the impact of climate change. She encouraged citizens to take advantage of the ongoing monsoon season by planting trees in their surroundings and to adopt a more proactive role in environmental protection.
“Civic responsibility extends beyond the courtroom, ” she stated, “and includes safeguarding the environment for present and future generations. Every tree planted is a step toward a more sustainable and healthier society.”