ISLAMABAD: Students from various educational institutions of the city have been involved in a campaign to collect litter from different spots in the city.

According to Development Communications Network (Devcom)-Pakistan Director Munir Ahmed, people travelling to tourist destinations irresponsibly throw garbage ruining the natural beauty of these places.

The campaign is gaining pace as a new trend among youth of the country in order to discourage people from littering. He said promoting awareness in this regard, will motivate people to adopt methods of proper garbage disposal.

Littering in forests by visitors is a major threat to the ecosystem in Margalla Hills National Park and it can be overcome by campaigns like this, he added.

Ammad Khan, student of International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) said students of different universities and colleges are getting involved in picking up litter from hiking trails in Margalla Hills and this practice has become common among students from several colleges and universities.

Deputy mayor of Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) Zeeshan Naqvi said people need to understand the value of nature and natural resources, adding, we need to create awareness about keeping green areas in our cities clean.

Visitors litter without consideration, even though the civic body has installed garbage bins at different locations along the trails, he added.

Published in Dawn, November 4th, 2020