KALAYA: The spring tree plantation campaign has formally been launched in the Orakzai with authorities setting a target of planting 360,000 saplings across the district this year.
The inaugural ceremony was held in Satarsam area of Lower Orakzai and attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner (general) Yasir Salman, District Forest Officer Jan Alam, Sub-Divisional Forest Officer (SDFO) Ali Hilal, Deputy Education Officer Ghulam Habib, Malik Muhammad Shoaib, tribal elders, local notables, and school students.
The participants planted saplings to mark the official launch of the campaign.Addressing the ceremony, ADC Yasir Salman said that tree plantation had become a pressing need in view of rising environmental pollution and the growing impacts of climate change. He noted that trees not only helped keep the environment clean but also played a vital role in reducing temperature extremes, conserving groundwater resources and promoting wildlife.
DFO Jan Alam said that a total target of 360,000 saplings had been set for the current year. Under the plan, he said the Forest Department would plant 60,000 saplings in collaboration with various government departments, educational institutions and other organizations while 300,000 saplings would be distributed free of cost.
