ISLAMABAD, April 10: As many as 10 environmental clubs have so far been established in Bannu district under Annual Development Programme (ADP) project titled 'raising of environmental awareness among the society through electronic and press media'.

The environmental clubs are part of a campaign to raise awareness about pollution and its adverse effects at schools' level.

This was stated by the state minister for environment, Maj (retired) Tahir Iqbal, in a written reply to a question asked by MNA Maulana Syed Nasib Ali Shah during the National Assembly session the other day.

Mr Shah had inquired about the steps the environment ministry had taken to check the growing level of pollution in Bannu district.

The minister said a Rs10 million scheme proposed in the ADP 2004-05, titled 'establishment of mobile vehicular emission testing units,' would involve stationing of a Mobile Vehicular Emission Testing Station in the district.

He said another PSDP 2004-05 project, titled 'introduction of environment friendly activities in selected villages of the province,' would include at least one village from Bannu.

The activities proposed to be undertaken through the project would include clean water supply, sanitation facilities, solid waste collection and disposal, establishment of nurseries and tree plantation, setting up of community-based organizations, and environment clubs at schools, the minister said.

He said Bannu Wildlife Division was established with effect from July 1, 2003 with a non-development budget of Rs0.85 million for the current fiscal year.

Prior to this date, Bannu was a part of D.I. Khan Wildlife Division and Rs0.940 million per annum was being spent on the staff engaged for wildlife protection in Bannu. And, the current year development budget of the division is Rs2.22 million. This budget allocation, however, is subjected to upward revision under revised estimates to be finalized in May, Mr Iqbal said.

Similarly, a four-year project, titled 'establishment of pheasantry in Bannu district', having a capital cost of Rs10 million, has been proposed for the next year.