BAHAWALPUR: The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), Bahawalpur, in a first, has started establishing Miyawaki forests in the city under the ‘Plant for Pakistan’ programme, under which over 20,000 plants and saplings will be planted on a total area of 10 kanalsby May 15.

Dawn has learnt that the PHA’s plan to develop miyawaki forests at seven spots in the city is aimed atmaking the city green and clean and providing a healthier environment to the people.

In this connection, the PHA staff planted 10,180 saplings on Friday on eight kanals on the premises of the Broadcasting House of Radio Pakistan, Bahawalpur.

According to PHA Bahawalpur Director General Ms Rubina Iqbal Abbasi, the programme was inaugurated by Commissioner Ms Musarrat Jabeen, accompanied by Government Sadiq College Women University (GSCWU)Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Shazia Anjumand Radio Pakistan Station Director Sajjad Ahmed Bari.

Over 10,000 saplings planted on Friday

A large number of students, PHA’s employees, officials, Radio Pakistan staff and other city residents also participated in the initiative by planting saplings during hours-long activity despite the scorching heat.

The PHA DG told Dawn that the miyawaki forests could be developed in the shortest period with special supervision and maintenance. She hoped the PHA staff would take care of the plants at various sites in the city.

The commissioner appreciated the PHA’s initiative, saying that such forests would help purify the environment and protect people from pollution.

She urged other government departments to also make such efforts to provide a healthier atmosphere for the city residents.

According to DG, the other sites selected for developing Miyawaki forests include the campus of the newly-established Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (CUVAS), Bahawalpur (5,090 plants on four kanals), Government Secondary School for the Blind, Government Special Education Centre, Saddar, Commercial Area inSatellite Town, Fareed Park and Multan Roundabout and Three-marla Scheme.

She said that along with miyawaki planting, the saplings of kachnar, bakain, amaltas, anjeer, Arjun, neem, falsa, hibiscus and tecomacould also be planted in the ongoing season.

She also urged the public to participate in this campaign vigorously to make it a roaring success and plant saplings for a better environment around their houses.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2025