A greener district: Billion Trees Tsunami project launched in Hangu

Secretary for environment says locals should plant trees, be aware of deforestation

HANGU: The inauguration ceremony of the Billion Trees Tsunami plantation project took place in Hangu district on Saturday.

Addressing the gathering, Secretary for Environment Said Nazir Hussain Shah urged locals to help plant more trees in the district and be aware of the detrimental effects of deforestation.

He suggested awareness drives should be held and pamphlets should be distributed at schools to disseminate the campaign’s aims.

“If someone offers us land of up to 1,000 to 2,000 kanals, we will provide trees, supply water and provide employment up to three years with a salary of Rs15,000 a month,” Shah said. He added people offering 55 acres of land will receive no salary, but will get other benefits.

“We have projects worth Rs22 billion in the district, but despite the monetary assistance and old and new resources, lack of staff including forest guards, hinders implementation,” Shah said.

PTI Hangu President Advocate Noor Awaz, PTI Hangu Vice President Nazim Said Umar, Forest Chief Conservator Muhammad Sadiq, Forest Conservator Shafqat, Munir Khan, Forest Divisional Conservator Muhammad Shakeel, Hangu Assistant Commissioner Ghafoor Shah, Hangu Sub Divisional Forest Officer Muhibullah Dawar, and others were present on the occasion.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 14^th, 2016.