| ISLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman retired Capt Noorul Amin Mengal on Sunday said 500,000 saplings would be planted this spring season during the plantation drive that kicked off at the F-9 Park.
Talking to Dawn, Mr Mengal said the campaign started with children planting saplings in the park and distribution of free-of-cost fruit trees among citizens.
“I have set a target of planting 500,000 trees in Islamabad and the environment wing has been directed to complete this task within 45 days,” the CDA chief said.
He said he had involved children to make the campaign a success, adding that, “besides the CDA, private sector and civil society had an important role to make the tree plantation drive a success.”
Mr Mengal said when the environment wing had adequate staff, funds and other resources, then there should be no question of the target not being met. He said the purpose of the campaign was not only to plant trees but to ensure their growth which was the main objective of the campaign. “I have informed them in clear words that no negligence would be tolerated,” he added.
Deputy Director General Environment Irfan Niazi said last year, the CDA had planted 250,000 plants and “this year, our target has been doubled; we have been directed to plant 500,000 trees”.
A press release issued by the CDA said fruit plants were being distributed among citizens for planting in their homes. Among them are peaches, apricots, pomegranates and other fruit saplings that are compatible with the local climate and environment.
It said 5,000 plants would be distributed free of cost this week and about 20,000 plants during the next 15 days. Moreover, on the instructions of the CDA chairman, a target of planting 500,000 saplings has been set in this year’s spring plantation drive.
The press release said the environment wing had been directed to involve all stakeholders, including educational institutions, in the campaign.
Published in Dawn, February 20th, 2023 |
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