Chitrali environment activist takes drive to Gilgit city

What started out as a cleanliness drive in a small village in the mountains of Chitral has now transformed into a countrywide campaign to safeguard wildlife, trees, rivers and wetlands, and promoting hygienic practices in homes and neighbourhoods. Moreover, by documenting the life histories of prominent personalities from Chitral, CHEPS has been at the forefront of preserving the cultural memory of Chitral for future generations. In May 2016, the CHEPS’ advocacy campaign for planting more trees, for safeguarding existing ones, and for promoting environmentally sustainable social practices has assumed ever greater importance. It is in this context that CHEPS organized its cleanliness drive of 2016 in Shah Karim Hostel of Aga Khan Higher Secondary School Konodos, Gilgit. Carrying banners and trash bags, CHEPS’ new volunteers went around the garden and picked plastic bags, rappers, bottles and other waste. Young CHEPS volunteers from different districts of Gilgit-Baltistan pledged their continued support for environment-friendly activities by appointing a coordinator who will ensure that CHEPS’ volunteers actively participate in upcoming tree plantation activities. Rehmat Ali Jaffar, Chairman CHEPS, reiterated his resolve to push for greater and more effective involvement of all stakeholders in the campaign to safeguard the natural environment for the future generations of Pakistan. He emphasized the role of young people in this endeavour by terming them agents of positive change in the society. CHEPS will hold its next cleanliness drive in New Polo Ground Gilgit city. ]]>