MANSEHRA: The district administration on Thursday launched ‘a tree for every house’ programme designed to control air pollution in Mansehra.

Deputy Commissioner, Mansehra Syed Zulfiqar Shah, who was the chief guest during the launching ceremony here at the New Circuit House, and Assistant Commissioner Dr Qasim Ali Khan planted saplings in presence of the district heads of all government departments.

Mr Shah said three million saplings would be planted in the district during the programme.

“We are going to plant a tree in every house with the support of almost all government department and nongovernmental organisations in the district. It will be a great step towards making Khyber Pakhtunkhwa green and pollution-free,” he said.

The deputy commissioner said government and private schools, police, basic health units and hospitals were part of the campaign to be carried out at union council and village levels.

He said it was time that every segment of society come forward to make environment pollution-free by planting saplings.

Mr Shah said the district administration would involve all local residents for the success of the tree plantation campaign.

Dr Qasim said more than 25 NGOs would be part of the plantation campaign besides taking out rallies and carrying out anti-pollution public awareness programme.

Later, a rally was taken out from the New Circuit House to create public awareness of tree plantation. People from different walks of life attended it in large numbers.

The participates, who held banners and placards with slogans in support of pollution-free environment, marched through the city.

They urged the people to help authorities protect environment.

COMMISSIONER UPSET BY POOR HEALTH FACILITIES: Hazara Commissioner Abid Ali Khan on Thursday expressed annoyance over lack of facilities and poor cleanliness at the District Headquarters Hospital in Battagram and directed the district administration to book those responsible for it.

The commissioner issued the directions during a visit to the hospital along with the officials of the district administration and police.

He met patients and asked them about health facilities and cleanliness on the premises. Mr Abid also inspected wards and lavatories and expressed annoyance at poor services and lack of cleanliness there.