Sindh launches monsoon tree plantation drive

Sindh Forests and Wildlife Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah and Sindh Education Minister Saeed Ghani inaugurated a 'monsoon tree planting campaign' by planting mangroves on the shore of Keti Bandar in Thatta on Sunday.

The provincial ministers pointed out that mangrove forests protect cities against hurricanes and also nurture and protect aquatic species, while acting as hatcheries for them as well.

Shah stated that forest department officials had taken effective measures for the protection and irrigation of mangroves along the province's coastal belt. He also ordered the relevant officials to take action against those involved in cutting down forests for land and register cases against them.

"Mangroves are a lifeline for aquatic life and those who cause damage to them will not be forgiven. They will be dealt with strictly," he said.

The ministers further stated that Pakistan Peoples Party chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had instructed them to not only improve the forests along the coasts but also in the cities.

They stated that forest department officials were working tirelessly to plant large urban forests in the cities, while also striving for the protection and irrigation of the forests.

These forests would help reduce heat and improve environmental pollution, said the ministers, adding planting trees was the need of the hour to tackle the rising temperature and climate change.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 20^th, 2020.