Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, in her special message on the International Day of Forests, has appealed to the people to plant as many trees as possible and play their role in tackling the problem of environmental pollution, especially smog. He said that children should plant trees in the name of their parents and teachers, as the existence of forests is very important for the environment, economy, and health of citizens.
The Chief Minister announced that 15 lakh saplings would be planted across the province on the occasion of World Forestry Day, while a total of 1.5 crore saplings have been targeted to be planted under the long-term plantation drive. On the occasion, he informed that under the Chief Minister’s Plant for Pakistan campaign, 44 lakh saplings would be planted, while under the Green Pakistan program, more than 34 lakh saplings would be planted.
Maryam Nawaz further said that 55 lakh saplings have been provided to educational, health, and other government institutions in the province for plantation so that tree planting can be promoted at all levels. In addition, it has also been decided to plant trees on unoccupied government land for the first time in Punjab, with the aim of increasing the forest area and controlling environmental pollution.
Environmentalists have appreciated the chief minister’s initiative and said that this campaign will not only help in combating climate change but will also raise awareness among the citizens about the importance of trees.
