QUETTA: Balochistan Forest Secretary Mir Saeed Ahmed Jamali has said that 3.2 million saplings will be planted in the province this year.

He said the standing committee of the forest department had approved the 10 billion tsunami tree project.

Mr Jamali said tenders had been issued in 33 districts. On the occasion of World Forest Day, 1m trees will be planted, while 31m saplings will be planted across the province this year for which cluster plantation work is under way, he added.

He said the forest department had only 7 per cent area of the province while the rest was with the community. “The forest department has been trying to take action against elements involved in illegal cutting of forest,” he said.

Published in Dawn, February 12th, 2020