Urban forestry campaign launched in Chitral town

CHITRAL: An urban forestry campaign was launched in the town in presence of officers of line departments, NGOs representatives and people from civil societies.

Speaking on the occasion, the additional deputy commissioner said urban forestry is the only solution to the environmental pollution.

“Tree plantation plays an important role in eliminating environmental pollution, therefore, people should plant maximum trees during the campaign,” he added. He said trees would not only enhance the natural beauty of Chitral but would also provide a clean environment to the people.

He said that under the urban forestry more plants needed to be planted in the DC Osama Shaheed Park besides other government buildings.

Zahid Ahmad, Research Officer-R&D Directorate, said the Forest Department under R&D Directorate had initiated the urban forestry promotion campaigns in the province under which plantation would be carried out in public places in cities and towns and the directorate would facilitate people in provision of free plants and technical inputs.

Ajaz Ahmad, NTFP Forest department Chitral, said Chitral town was an ideal location for the promotion of urban forestry, the rapid urbanization in the town was causing many environmental issues and urban forestry was the need of the day.

“We can promote urban forestry for greenery as well has to improve the health of urban environment. Urban forestry needs collective approach where we need the support of all stakeholders,” he added.

Khaliqul Zaman, Shahi Khatib Chitral, said the existence of many hadiths that encourage the greening and afforesting of the environment clearly reflects the holy prophet’s concern about the nature’s conservation

“If a Muslim plants a tree or grow grains and a bird, a person or an animal eats from it, this will be counted as a charity for him,” he narrated a Hadith. At the end, the participants planted plants in the vicinity of the park.