Bhakkar tree plantation drive covers 4,985 acres of land

DFO says effective care of plants will be ensured under initiative launched by PM

BHAKKAR:

The Bhakkar range land department has completed a plantation campaign under the Billion Tree Project of Prime Minister Imran Khan on the largest area in Punjab of 4,985 acres.

Sargodha Division Commissioner Nabil Javed, while inspecting the project, also planted trees under the campaign.

District Forest Officer (DFO) Nadeem Ashraf Warraich informed the commissioner that the tree plantation campaign had been launched on 4,985 acres under the Billion Tree Project, which was the largest area included in the drive in the province. "

"We are committed to making the Billion Tree campaign a success. Work is in full swing to make the campaign successful at various places across the district" he said.

The official said the campaign was not limited to planting trees but also included making arrangements with effective strategies to take care of the land where the trees are planted.

He stressed that the growth of the trees should be ensured by taking proper care of them after planting them.

"There has been no compromise on merit and transparency in the Billion Tree project

All related officials have been directed to complete the project with utmost responsibility so that the
people can benefit from its fruits," he added.

The commissioner issued orders to the forest department to develop a special mechanism for the protection and maintenance of trees so that the 10 Billion Tree Tsunami Programme continued to progress towards success.

The commissioner said his office could be contacted at any time for guidance in this regard.

He said while talking to The Express Tribune that the project started by the prime minister was important for curbing pollution.

The completion of this project will not only provide a fresh and pleasant environment to the citizens but there will also be a marked reduction in pollution.

The Billion Tree project is a game changer initiative, he asserted.

He said trees were not only important for improving the environment were also of special importance in making the country economically stable.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has also tweeted about the tree plantation campaign carried out by the department in Bhakkar transforming to a lush green area.

Historic tree planting campaign has been completed on record area.

Work is also being done to grow the trees in the desolate area under a concrete plan.

The commissioner said Punjab government had provided 70% subsidy for planting trees on 1,500 acres of private landowners who had to bear 30% of the expenses.

He said trees would be planted in 400 acres of government forests in Bhakkar district this year.

Trees are also being planted on 400 kilometres of canal banks, he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 18^th, 2022.