Tree plantation drive started. PHOTO: REUTERS
While briefing about the monsoon tree plantation drive, IMC Chief Officer Najaf Iqbal said that following directions from Mayor Sheikh Anser Aziz, the IMC had taken steps to practically engage all stakeholders in the Monsoon Tree Plantation Campaign-2018.
He said that during the current drive, around 150,000 saplings will be planted in the Margalla Hills National Park and the catchment areas of the Simly Dam and other forest areas of the city. The remaining 150,000 tree saplings, he said, would be planted in the urban areas including greenbelts, parks and other areas of the city. He further said that 3,000 plants would be planted at the site where the drive was launched.
While addressing the ceremony, Islamabad Chief Commissioner Jaudat Ayaz said that maximum trees should be planted to help purify the environment and reduce the pollution in the city.
He said that the purpose of plantation campaigns was to create awareness amongst the residents about the importance of plants.
“Residents should actively participate in the preservation of the green character of the city so that the desired results could be achieved,” Ayaz said, adding that local and indigenous species should be preferred when planting saplings to ensure their survival rate.
The campaign was launched in a colourful ceremony which was attended by the Deputy Mayor Azam Khan, Syed Zeeshan Naqvi and Rifat Javed, IMC Chief Officer Syed, elected chairmen of different union councils, officers and officials of IMC, social activists, environmentalists, representatives of different non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and students of different educational institutes.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 18th, 2018.
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