Nowshera Forest Division creates NavGrah Vatika and Nakshatra Van at Meenka Mahadev Temple

RAJOURI, March 17: A large function was organised by Nowshera Forest Division to inaugurate newly created Nav Grah Vatika and Nakshatra Van in the premises of Meenka Mahadev temple in Changi Kangrial Panchayat of Sunderbani Subdivision. DDC Sunderbani Rajinder Sharma was the Chief guest on the occasion.

Vivek Verma, Conservator of Forests West Circle Rajouri was a special guest and Divisional Forest Officer Nowshera Neelima Shah was the guest of honour.

The function was also attended by PRI members along with a large number of devotees and general public to see the first-of-its-kind creation conceptualised by Forest Department.

Vivek Verma spoke at the event and said that in Hindu stories, all Gods and Goddesses are connected to plants. The nine planets that are thought to affect a person’s life are also linked to plants. Navgrah Vatika is a garden of nine trees, bushes and grasses representing nine planets. These trees are planted in a particular direction to get the benefit of nine planets or grah so named Nav Grah Vatika. Similarly, Nakshatra Van has 27 divisions in which plants and trees linked to Nakshatras are planted in a circular manner.

The DDC Sunderbani appreciated the unique concept of Nowshera Forest Division to conserve nature and ecology on religious lines by involving religious sentiments of local people. He emphasised the importance of clean and green environment for overall well-being of mankind.

Neelima Shah explained in detail about historical as well as religious importance of plants in Nakshatra Van as well as NavGrah Vatika. She said such activities develop cordial relations between general public and Forest Department which will help in better conservation and protection of natural forest.

Range Forest Officer Sunderbani, Rakesh Verma expressed his gratitude to those whose attendance made the event a grand success. He added that these types of entry point activities will help develop coordination between the Forest Department and local people, which will in turn help in better conservation and protection of forests.