Tree plantation drive launched

CHITRAL, Feb 14: The Chitral Integrated Area Development Program (CIADP) launched a tree plantation drive in collaboration with the district government here. Additional Deputy Commissioner Abdul Ghaffar was chief guest on the occasion while Commandant Chitral Scouts, divisional forest officer wildlife, forest range officer and heads of all departments were present. On this occasion, the CIADP handed over 50,000 saplings to the additional deputy commissioner Abdul Ghafar while the remaining 155,000 saplings would be distributed through their partner organizations comprising different local support organizations (LSO). Addressing on the occasion, Managing Director of Thrive Azar Ayaz said we are working in Chitral since 2009 and always supported the district government and follow their suggestions for sustainable development. He said we also spent more than 10 million rupees on renovation and provision of equipment to the casualty department of the district headquarters hospital Chitral. He said that this time we have involved women in the plantation drive for its sustainability. The agriculture department officials highlighted the importance and need of plantation. They said majority of mountainous people depended on trees and wood for heating, cooking and infrastructure purposes. They said everyone should plant a sapling during the plantation campaign so as to fulfill the shortage of trees and stop deforestation. Commandant Chitral Scouts Col Nasir Jadoon said Chitral had rich potential for plantation and its soil was also very fertile for fruits, vegetables and orchards. He asked the stakeholders to participate in this campaign to increase forest cover.—GH Farooqui]]>