Tree Planting in Azad Kashmir: How Reforestation is Reviving a Valley of Hope

From Deforestation to Determination

Azad Kashmir’s emerald valleys once echoed with birdsong and the rustle of pine forests.
Today, many of those slopes lie bare, stripped by years of unchecked logging, landslides, and the impact of climate change. For families who depend on the land, the loss is more than ecological — it’s personal.

In Neelum Valley, Zahid Ahmed still remembers the storm that changed his life. Heavy rains swept through his village in 2018, tearing down slopes that had long been cleared for firewood. His small orchard was buried under mud. “It felt,” he says quietly, “as if the mountain had given up.”

But from that pain emerged a new kind of hope. Zahid joined a community reforestation group supported by the Kashmir Welfare Foundation (KWF). With seedlings in hand, he began to replant what had been lost — and to rebuild his future.

This is the story of a region learning to heal its land, one tree at a time.

Case Study 1: Reforestation in Neelum Valley – Zahid’s Story of Renewal

Neelum Valley’s steep terrain and remote villages make it one of the most ecologically fragile regions of AJK. Years of deforestation left communities vulnerable to flash floods and landslides.

In 2022, the Green Kashmir Project launched a community-led reforestation drive. Over 25 000 native saplings — including deodar, kail, and walnut — were planted on degraded hillsides. Families received training on nursery management and sustainable fuel alternatives to reduce tree-cutting.

For Zahid, this initiative became more than a livelihood. “When I plant a tree now,” he smiles, “I feel I’m planting shade for my children.”

Parveen Kausar, project coordinator, reflects:

“What moved me most was seeing families who once cut trees now protecting them. Reforestation here isn’t just about planting; it’s about belonging.”

The results speak for themselves: erosion has dropped by 30 % in pilot zones, and water sources that once ran dry now flow steadily year-round.

Case Study 2: Watershed Management in Jhelum Valley

The Jhelum River winds through breathtaking valleys — but years of deforestation left its banks scarred by landslides and silted water. In response, local residents and KWF launched a watershed restoration programme integrating tree-planting, terracing, and eco-education.

Over 20 villages planted 18 000 trees along slopes and riverbanks. Native species like willow and alder were chosen for their deep root systems, helping stabilise soil and filter runoff. Within two years, sedimentation levels in nearby streams dropped by 40 %, improving drinking-water quality.

Abdul Basit, Trustee of the Kashmir Welfare Foundation, explains:

“Our goal was to connect ecology with economy. Healthy rivers mean healthy fields — and healthy families.”

Women’s groups also benefited through training in composting and kitchen gardening, creating new income while protecting local biodiversity.

Case Study 3: Urban Greening in Muzaffarabad

Muzaffarabad, the beating heart of Azad Kashmir, faces the challenge of rapid urbanisation. With population growth came pollution, rising temperatures, and shrinking green spaces.

The city’s urban greening campaign — spearheaded by KWF in partnership with local councils — has so far planted 22 000 trees in parks, school yards, and roadside belts. These trees not only absorb carbon but also create natural shade corridors for pedestrians and cooling zones for traffic-dense areas.

Residents have taken ownership through “Adopt-a-Tree” initiatives, where families care for saplings outside their homes. Schoolchildren name their trees and track their growth as part of environmental-education projects.

City data now shows a 5 % improvement in air-quality indices and a measurable drop in summer surface temperatures.

How Your Donation Helps

Every £1 donated to the Green Kashmir Project plants and protects trees — covering seedling, community training, and three-year maintenance.

Your support does more than grow trees — it restores livelihoods, prevents landslides, and revives entire ecosystems.

And if you’re a UK taxpayer, don’t forget to add Gift Aid — your donation grows by 25 % at no extra cost, helping more trees take root.

The Science of Hope – Why Trees Matter in Kashmir

Reforestation in Azad Kashmir isn’t just about beauty. Trees regulate rainfall, anchor soil, store carbon, and provide vital habitats for wildlife — from the Himalayan monal to rare snow leopards.

According to the AJK Environmental Protection Agency, every hectare of new forest absorbs roughly 6.5 tonnes of CO₂ each year. If current KWF initiatives expand as planned, the Green Kashmir Project could offset over 2 000 tonnes of carbon by 2027.

But the impact runs deeper: trees symbolise renewal, giving communities a chance to heal after decades of conflict and environmental neglect.

Why Give Now

Climate change is accelerating in the Himalayan region. Without urgent reforestation, AJK faces increased flash floods, soil loss, and disappearing streams. Each planting season missed sets back years of progress.

By giving now, you empower Kashmir’s families to plant before the winter frost sets in — turning barren valleys into living forests that will stand for generations.

UK Donors – Growing Hope from Home

From Birmingham to Bradford, UK supporters have already sponsored more than half of this year’s saplings. Their regular giving ensures nurseries keep running, tools stay funded, and local youth receive environmental training.

When you donate from the UK, you don’t just send money — you send hope that blooms in every valley.

Conclusion – From Roots to Resilience

When Zahid walks through the young forest above his village, he touches the rough bark of a deodar sapling and smiles. The mountain that once crumbled is alive again.

Tree by tree, valley by valley, Azad Kashmir is reclaiming its green heritage.
Through your support, the Kashmir Welfare Foundation is turning deforestation into determination — and hope into habitat.

Plantation FAQs

1. Why is reforestation important for Azad Kashmir?
It prevents landslides, improves water quality, and restores biodiversity, supporting both the environment and local livelihoods.

2. What species does the Green Kashmir Project plant?
Native species such as deodar, kail, walnut, willow, and alder — all suited to mountain ecosystems and soil stabilisation.

3. How does KWF ensure the trees survive long-term?
Community groups care for saplings for three years, with regular monitoring and training on fire and pest control.

4. Can I plant a tree on behalf of someone as Sadaqah Jariyah?
Yes. Each tree is a lasting charity and a gift that continues to benefit people and the environment for years.

5. Where does my donation go?
Your contribution funds seedlings, community training, soil restoration, and monitoring under the Green Kashmir Project.