Plantation campaign: 28 percent target set for spring plantation achieved

Govt is developing forests on 600 acres along the bank of River Ravi in Shahdara

LAHORE:

As much as 28 percent of the target set for a spring season plantation campaign has been achieved, Rana Shabbir Ahmed, the chief conservator at the Forests Department, said on Monday.

He was speaking at a ceremony held to mark the World Forests Day.

Ahmed said 12 million saplings would be planted in the province under the campaign.

He said the department was developing forests on 600 acres of land along the bank of River Ravi in Shahdara area. He said a cleaner atmosphere could be ensured in the area with the completion of the project. The facility would also serve as an affordable recreational space for residents of the area.

The chief conservator said the World Forests Day was observed to remind the people about the need for efforts to prevent environmental degradation.

He said the government could not protect and expand forests on its own. He urged the traders’ community and the civil society organisations to extend their support for the purpose.

Ahmed said joint efforts were needed to raise awareness among the public about the importance of trees.

He said holding two plantation campaigns a year was not enough. Maintaining the existing forest cover and caring for it was also important, he said.

Representatives of several NGOs and college and university teachers were also present on the occasion.

The ceremony at Jallo Park featured plantation of saplings by school students and an awareness raising walk. 

Published in The Express Tribune, March 22^nd, 2016.