Katra, Jan. 29 -- The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) began the winter plantation drive and the second phase of aerial seed dispersal at the Trikuta Hills on Thursday.

A demonstration exercise was held at SMVD Narayana Superspeciality Hospital in Kakryal. The seed-dispersal activity shall be carried out during the week, taking advantage of favourable weather conditions to improve seed germination and achieve better ecological outcomes.

It may be recalled that the Shrine Board has formulated an aerial seeding plan to improve green cover in the inaccessible areas of the Trikuta Hills over the next ten years.

According to the release, the programme achieved an estimated 3% ecological regeneration success rate, which is consid...