Cleanliness drive: Schoolchildren, conservationists off to protect the environment

ISLAMABAD:

As part of the Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) new environment protection campaign, school children, environmentalists and civil society members took part in an awareness drive at the Marghazar Zoo on Tuesday.

The campaign was launched by the civic body on Monday for the preservation and protection of the city’s environment.

The participants were briefed about measures to protect the environment. School children collected litter from around the zoo and disposed it off properly in dustbins. The students also drew posters and paintings highlighting the importance of cleanliness.

CDA Member Environment Kazim Niaz, who also took part in the drive, said the CDA is collaborating with public and private schools and NGOs such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to raise awareness about keeping the city clean and protecting its bio-diversity.

CDA Spokesperson Ramzan Sajid said the campaign will be extended to other parts of the city, including the Lake View Park. He said the CDA has planned an awareness expedition in the Margalla Hills National Park on Wednesday afternoon, which shall begin at the Marghazar Zoo.

The Margalla Hills National Park is spread over an area of 31,142 acres. It has around 600 plant species, 250 bird varieties, 38 species of mammals and 13 of reptiles.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 5^th, 2012.