Pindi’s forest cover to be increased: official

Govt plans building 25km jogging track in woods

RAWALPINDI: To protect the natural forests across the Rawalpindi division while making it attractive for visitors, the forest department has prepared a megaproject development project. Furthermore, the government plans to build 18 mini dams across the division to improve the provision of water.

Forest Department’s Administration Director Muhammad Nauman said that the project aims to protect forests in Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Jhelum and Attock districts through the implementation of strict rules.

He added that in the first phase, they will focus on protecting the two oldest and most dense forests of Chakwal including Aara Para and Chhanji.

As part of the project, the official said, fruit and flower-bearing, leafy trees will be planted in the open spaces in these forests. Large ponds will be built in these forests to allow flora and fauna in it to flourish.

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To attract visitors, a 25 kilometre-long jogging track will be made in the forests so that people can pass through it without damaging the forest. Lights will be installed on both sides of the jogging track. Furthermore, beautiful benches and fountains for drinking water will be installed to allow visitors to rest.

The forest administration director said that after completing the first phase of the project, it will be expanded to other forests in Rawalpindi, Attock and Jhelum in the second phase.

“A new forest will be planted over large, empty areas in each district, Nauman said.

To a question about the timber mafia and theft in forests, the official said that arrangements will be made to curb the practice.

For this purpose, Nauman said that closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and lights will be installed at key places.

Moreover, forest field staff will enhance their patrolling.

Mini dams

The Sustainable Division of the Forest Department has approved the construction of 18 mini-dams in two districts of the Rawalpindi division.

Rainwater ponds set up in forests

To be built in Rawalpindi and Chakwal during the upcoming financial year 2020-21, these dams will help store rainwater which can then be used to irrigate crops apart from fulfilling the water needs of locals.

Nauman told The Express Tribune that an experiment to construct mini-dams in forests has proven to be successful in the province.

He added that during the outgoing financial year, at least eight mini dams were built in the dense forests of these two districts and that it has allowed the fauna in these areas - particularly migratory birds - to stop for a bit. Putting fish in them will also increase the influx of waterfowl.

The official added that this water can also be used to fight forest fires immediately. Nauman said that the water will help stop the land from being eroded. If successful, it will be expanded to the Attock and Jhelum districts.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 24^th, 2020.