Rawalpindi Commissioner and Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) DirectorGeneral Gulzar Hussain Shah has directed the department concerned to start work on ‘green regulations’ meant for the restoration of the ecosystem in the Potohar region.
He emphasised the need for aligning the RDA’s regulatory framework with the 10-billion tree tsunami initiative, which, he said, can be achieved by adopting certain measures.
The official said that first and foremost, intensification and maximisation of indigenous Potohari flora is the key to initiating the restoration of the ecosystem.
“The revival and rehabilitation of Potohari wastelands is equally crucial and so is ensuring the revival of Potohari ecosystem in urban settings,” he added.
The official insisted that in the race for urbanisation, one should never lose sight of preserving nature, which can only be possible if urban settings are conducive to protecting, promoting and reviving Potohari flora and fauna—including Potohari and migratory birds.
Read Potohar region termed Olive Valley
Minimisation of exotic flora and its replacement in public spaces with Potohari flora would be a definite plus in the overall efforts for the restoration and maintenance of the ecosystem, said the DG.
He also advised maximising land use efficiently for human settlements, which in turn will ascertain minimum disturbance of areas that cater to wildernesses, forests and green fields.
"A considerable increase in Potohari tree, brush and scrub cover in public and private spaces within urban settings would ensure maximum carbon sequestration as well," Shah said adding that another method to encourage carbon sequestration is to make more use of wood and its derivatives as construction material.
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