Lahore: In order to achieve the targets of the ‘Billion Tree Tsunami’ initiative, former vice president (VC) of the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI), Engineer Ahmad Hassan, has requested the government to carry out a linear plantation drive along all railway tracks and motorways of the country, a news source reported.
Hassan was addressing a meeting of the Research & Development Department, during which he made the suggestion. He highlighted the global climate change issues, as well as those particularly affecting Pakistan.
He said that the country’s current economic situation made it difficult to enhance its depleting forest cover, as well as maintain its socioeconomic life without negatively affecting the economic growth, given than the population was growing steadily. He also cited the melting glaciers and temperature rise affecting crop patters and water scarcity issue.
While Hassan appreciated the Prime Minister (PM)’s Billion Tree Tsunami campaign, he added that the general public was showing reluctance in protecting the newly planted saplings. He added that this increased the mortality rate of the saplings to over 90% – especially in urban areas.
He appreciated the government’s decision to provide incentives for the civil society and farming community to play their role in expanding the country’s forest cover. He stated that the newly planted trees needed protection until they mature. He added that the government should consider planting trees along railway tracks and motorways since these areas were well-protected.
