Monsoon tree plantation drive begins

The Forest Department has officially launched the monsoon tree plantation campaign, under which a total of 1.2 million saplings will be planted across all 6 districts and the three hilly tehsils of the Rawalpindi division.

The Department has extended the alert period in which chances of forest fire are high till August 15. During this period, emergency will remain in effect in all forests of the division until this date, with field staff deployed in the forests. Security of the forests has also been tightened.

Divisional Forest Officer Saqib Mahmood Sheikh stated “This year a record number of trees are being planted in the Rawalpindi division. All types of saplings are being provided free of cost to the military, police and government institutions, while temporary nurseries have been established from where the public can purchase saplings for Rs10 to 12 each.

This year, saplings are also being planted in all government schools, colleges and universities. Under the “One Student, One Plant” campaign, students are being involved in the tree plantation drive.

Saplings will also be planted along the roadsides of Rawalpindi. All staff and institutions have been strictly instructed to protect the newly sowed plants. The Forest Department will continue to monitor and check the plants planted in the institutions.