'Living walls' to help combat smog

In a bid to tackle rising smog and urban pollution, the district and divisional administrations in Faisalabad have launched innovative environmental initiatives, including "Living Walls" and the "Plantation for Generations" campaign, described as a first-of-its-kind pilot project in Pakistan.

The initiatives aim to reduce the impact of smog, dust and carbon emissions through modern, eco-friendly methods and will later be extended to other districts of the Faisalabad division in phases.

Commissioner Raja Jahangir Anwar chaired a meeting of the Environment Protection Department, where he announced that 30 pollution-affected walls across the city have been identified for the "Living Walls" project.

Under this initiative, moss will be cultivated on specially prepared walls to absorb carbon emissions and improve air quality.

Experts from University of Agriculture Faisalabad and Government College University Faisalabad will provide technical support for the project.

Officials said special plaster is being arranged for the walls, and it is expected to take around three months for the moss to fully develop, with each installation capable of absorbing carbon over an area of approximately 100 square metres.

Addressing the meeting, the commissioner termed environmental pollution a major challenge and stressed the need for adopting modern solutions.

He directed relevant departments and academic institutions to expedite efforts and implement comprehensive measures on priority.

Meanwhile, the "Plantation for Generations" campaign has been launched under the supervision of the divisional administration, with a target of planting at least 200,000 saplings, each at least five feet tall within one month at key public places, along roads, and within institutional premises.

The campaign was inaugurated by Commissioner Raja Jahangir Anwar, who planted a sapling at the Commissioner Complex.

Faisalabad Development Authority Director General Muhammad Asif Chaudhry, Additional Commissioner Tanvir Murtaza, and President of the Chamber of Commerce Farooq Yousuf Sheikh were also present on the occasion.

Speaking to the media, the commissioner said a target of planting 300 saplings has been set for the Commissioner Complex alone.

He added that plantation activities will soon be expanded to areas managed by the Faisalabad Development Authority, private housing societies, educational institutions, canals, and sports facilities.

He further announced the establishment of a "Plant Bank" under the Horticulture Agency, aimed at facilitating the donation and redistribution of saplings.

The initiative will allow institutions lacking space to contribute plants, which will then be cultivated in available areas across the city.

The commissioner emphasised that the goal is not only to plant saplings but also to ensure their survival and growth.

In this regard, departments have committed to implementing a comprehensive monitoring system.