ABBOTTABAD: The district administration and local environment department have planned to plant 539,000 saplings in Abbottabad in the coming spring season.

Under the plans, most saplings will be planted on 500 hectors of land in rural areas of the district.

The disclosure was made during the launching ceremony of the tree plantation campaign under the Prime Minister’s Clean and Green Pakistan Programme.

The campaign was jointly inaugurated by MNA Ali Khan Jadoon, deputy commissioner Amir Afaq and chief conservator (forests) of Hazara division Arshad Javed by planting saplings of different species.

Other officers of the administration and relevant departments and members of civil society also attended the ceremony.

The speakers advocated increase in Abbottabad’s green cover by massive tree plantation saying efforts for the purpose will help protect environment and promote tourism and economic activities in the area.

They said people from all walks of life would be involved for the campaign to create a sense of its ownership among them.

Published in Dawn, January 31st, 2019