SARGODHA: Around 7,000 saplings were planted here on Sunday by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and government employees under the 10-billion-tree tsunami programme.

The district administration observed ‘one-tree for Pakistan’ day to make Pakistan clean and green. The main ceremony was held on the road from Chak 85-NB to 90-NB chaired by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Abdullah Nayyar Sheikh. Various NGOs, students, trade organisations and people from all walks of life planted 2,000 saplings along the road.

The DC said that all arrangements had been made by government nurseries to provide 3.5 million saplings to the public for free and 1,000 acres earmarked for forestation in the district. He also said that stern action will be taken against timber mafia to control felling of trees.

Moreover, the employees of all government and semi-government departments planted 5,000 saplings at eight points in the district.

The DC said arrangements were under way to plant saplings on vacant state land and free spaces of government schools and colleges to grow vegetables to provide fresh eatables to children.

Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2020