3m saplings to be planted in Attock district

Over three million saplings would be planted in the Attock district under the ‘Spring Plantation Drive 2022,’ said District Forest Officer (DFO) Amir Abbas.

He was briefing the media about the plantation drive at Hassanabdal on Wednesday.

He said that under the campaign, saplings were being planted in government forests, on the land of several government departments, the Defence Department in particular, and private lands in the region.

He revealed that under the drive, over one million saplings would be planted on both the sides of Ghazi Brotha water channel. “Out of these, 0.9 million would be planted in private lands, while 0.2 million would be planted in various defence installations, and over 0.1 million saplings would be planted around the provincial government buildings, including schools, colleges and hospitals,” he said.

He pointed out that the campaign had kicked off in the district and all-out efforts were being made to make the campaign a success. He said that greenery and forestation were essential to control environmental pollution - a menace that led the world towards global warming.

“We should plant as many trees as possible because life would be impossible without them,” he said, adding that many species of animals depend on trees as their natural habitat, as they provide shelter, food and protection to them. He said that the forest department was playing a dynamic role towards making Pakistan clean and green.

The Tehsil Forest Officers (TFOs) and other officials concerned had been directed to plant maximum saplings with the help and cooperation of the civil society, officials and students during the campaign, he said.

“A minimum forest cover on 25 per cent area is necessary to keep the natural environment clean,” Abbas said. He added that as the olive plant was a drought-tolerant staple plant, efforts would be taken to increase olive farming area in the Barani areas of the district, especially Jand, Basal and Pindigheab.

“Saplings of different species like Chir, Pine, Robinia, Poplar and others were being planted under the campaign in various parts of the district especially Hassanabdal, Hazro and Attock city”. He added.

He said that students of various schools and colleges should also be involved in the spring plantation campaign.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 3^rd, 2022.