06 February 2004	Friday	14 Zilhaj 1424

RAWALPINDI, Feb 5: Waking up to the reality that the city is giving a bland and barren look, the district government has decided to start pine plantation.

The decision was taken at a meeting between the district Nazim and GOC Murree a few days ago. The GOC assured the Nazim of all possible help for the plantation, adding that his office would provide pine saplings to the district government.

Two pine parks have also been proposed for the city one each on Khayaban-i-Sir Syed and Asghar Mall. The sites have been tentatively selected and surveyed for the purpose.

The district Nazim, Raja Tariq Kiani, told this reporter that in a few years the trees would grow enough to give the place a softer burgeoning look.

He said the district government wanted to set up pine corners in public parks besides planting pine trees on both sides of the main roads wherever sufficient space was available.

The Nazim said during the expansion of Murree Road precious trees had to be cut down without making any replacement. Speaking about the choice of pine for the replacement of trees along the Murree Road, he said the decision had been taken in view of the successful pine plantation on both sides of Jinnah Avenue in Islamabad.

One obvious impact, he added, would be on the fast deteriorating environment of the city. He said public transport had been emitting toxic smoke. The main culprits are buses and other heavy vehicles which ply on every major road unchecked.