GUJRAT: As many as 10,000 trees will be planted along the six-kilometre long bank of the Jhelum river by the district administration under the Clean Green Pakistan Index.

The tree plantation will be done on both sides of the road constructed along Jhelum’s embankment which is meant to save the city from the flooding in the river. The city is located right at the bank of the river.

The tree plantation will be done by the forest department at a cost of Rs10 million.

Divisional Forest Officer Nauman Irshad told the participants at a meeting chaired by Jhelum Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Saif Anwar Jappa the other day that planning of tree plantation had been made according to which five lots on both sides of the embankment had been selected. Arrangements had also been made, he said, to take proper care and watering of these plants for at least three years.

He said a path would also he made for the movement of livestock being held by the farmers residing in the area so that the planted trees could be secured from the pet animals.

He said the plants that would grow flowers and fruits as well those having long shadows were being used to counter pollution and ensure beautification of the city and the riverbank.

The DC directed the officials to install gates as well as fences along the selected lots of the tree plantation to secure the trees from the livestock.

Assistant Commissioner Zulfiqar Ahmed, Jhelum Municipal committee chief officer Inamur Reheem and representatives of non-government organisations were among the participants.

Published in Dawn, February 10th, 2020