To offset the increasing effects of climate change and deforestation, a spring tree plantation campaign has kicked off in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata).
According to the Fata forest department, a total of 3.98 million saplings of various species will be sown on 9,166 acres in all seven agencies.
The most number of trees will be planted in Bajaur Agency, where 1,257,600 saplings will be sown over 2,891 acres, followed by Kurram Agency, where 445,950 saplings will be planted over 1,025 acres. In Khyber Agency, 435,000 saplings will be sown over 1,000 acres. In Mohmand Agency, 369,750 saplings will be planted over 850 acres.
Apart from that, 348,000 seeds will be planted in North Waziristan and 239,250 in South Waziristan, while 88,000 trees will be planted with the help of the armed forces.
It is expected that the plantation drive will help meet the growing demand for timber, firewood and fodder.
The government is also focusing on involving local people through village developmental committees to make the campaign a success.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 2nd, 2012.
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