Naval chief announces plantation drives

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi says afforestation efforts showing a positive impact

ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi Monday said spring tree plantation campaign was an opportunity to strengthen link with nature and afforestation was vital for socio-economic development and a sustainable ecosystem.

In his message, the naval chief said for years, besides contributing towards food, fibre resources and livelihood; trees had been instrumental in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change and nature disasters. He said despite the efforts to promote a greener world, deforestation mainly due to over population, urbanisation, agricultural expansion and industrialisation to name a few, have severely damaged the environment.

It is, therefore, imperative to curb the menace of deforestation through institutionalised measures. He said the tree plantation drives in Pakistan had started showing their positive impact.

According to Pakistan Meteorological Department’s statistics, in January and February 2019, winter rainfall was observed above normal as compared to average of last 20 years during the same period. Moreover, in the last two successive winters, Margalla Hillls had received snowfall. To contribute to the healthy environment and in line with the government's initiative of 'Plant for Pakistan', Pakistan Navy had planted four million mangroves in the coastal belt and 700,000 trees in PN units and setups spread across Pakistan in the last three years.

"In continuation to the same, today, by the Grace of Almighty, I formally commence the Spring Tree Plantation Campaign 2019 in Pakistan Navy. During this campaign, all units of Pakistan Navy shall plant thousands of saplings as our contribution towards Greener Pakistan," he added.

The naval chief said, "On this occasion, let me reiterate, that we owe it to ourselves and to our children, to preserve the environment which is a blessing of Allah."

He urged people to join hands with Pakistan Navy in this noble cause and commit to plant at least one tree each, to help provide clean and better environment. "Let us strive together to make this tree plantation campaign a success and preserve the nature for our future generations."  

Published in The Express Tribune, March 12^th, 2019.