‘Over 1m saplings planted in two years’

PHA chairman swears by the Miyawaki method to plant 51 new urban forests

LAHORE:

Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) planted more than one million saplings with proper maintenance mechanism to take extra care of the planted trees, saplings and flowers in the provincial capital during the last two and a half years, PHA Chairman Yasir Gillani said on Sunday.

He further said that efforts were underway to enhance the greenery of the provincial capital and in this regard the PHA introduced latest techniques of plantation and gardening.

He confirmed that the authority plans to establish 51 urban forests after witnessing excellent results achieved from the Miyawaki method in various city areas.

The Miyawaki technique helped build dense native forests that grew 10 times faster and nourished dozens of native species in a compact area, he elaborated.

“The urban forest became maintenance-free after the first three years of tendering,” he highlighted, adding that nine urban forests have been developed in various areas of Lahore, including Railway Station, Johar Town, Faisal Town, Shahdra, and Begum Kot.

The chairman also claimed that pandemic safety standard operating procedures (SOPs) were being strictly followed and the PHA was making arrangements to allow only those people in the parks who wear facemasks.

“As per the instructions of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), a total of 300 people are allowed in a park at a time to avoid spread of coronavirus.”

Yasir asserted the authority was trying to engage the private sector, including colleges, universities, hotels, real estate developers and others, in plantation drives and urged the people to plant maximum trees and saplings in their houses to serve their due role in protecting the environment.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 14^th, 2020.