40,000 saplings planted in one day

The Jhelum district administration in collaboration with the forest department has achieved a remarkable feat by planting 40,000 saplings within a span of one day. This record-breaking milestone was made possible through the dedicated efforts of government officials from various departments, as well as the active participation of students from various schools and colleges across the district.

A plantation drive titled ‘Go Jhelum Go Green’ was organised by the Jhelum district administration and the forest department at Bajwala Forest. Jhelum Station Commander Brigadier Muhammad Ahmad Madni, Deputy Commissioner Captain (retd) Samiullah Farooq and Chief Forest Officer Saqib Mehmood were invited as the chief guests of the event.

On the occasion, the deputy commissioner Farooq expressed that today marks a momentous occasion in the history of Jhelum. He said that it was important for every individual to contribute by planting a sapling. The adverse effects of climate change, such as severe weather conditions, floods, and storms, have become evident, largely due to the diminishing forest cover in our country therefore, this initiative is a step towards mitigating climate change, he added.

He appreciated the district administration by saying that the previous record of planting 26,000 saplings in a single day in the Jhelum district was broken by the plantation of 40,000 new saplings in a single day.

Speaking at the ceremony, Brigadier Muhammad Ahmad Madni highlighted the significant scarcity of forests in our country and emphasised the urgent necessity for new plantations. Over the past few years, thousands of saplings have been successfully planted in Jhelum, which have now flourished into mature trees, he added. He also assured full cooperation and support from his side in such future initiatives.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 22^nd, 2023.