Lahore: The Government of Punjab launched the monsoon tree plantation campaign with a target to plant nine million saplings, according to a news source. Punjab Chief Secretary (CS) Yousaf Naseem Khokhar initiated the campaign by planting the first sapling in the grounds of the Civil Secretariat.
While talking to the media, CS Punjab said that providing a clean environment for the people is the government’s priority and the protection of the environment is a cause of national importance. He stated that the federal government was taking important, practical steps in improving the environmental conditions of the country and in fighting climate change. He was hopeful that this campaign would be made a success by exceeding the fixed targets placed by the government and urged people to actively participate in the drive.
Khokhar ordered relevant government departments to keep a close eye on the workings of the campaign and to coordinate with federal bodies relevant to the process. He also suggested the launch of community mobilisation and awareness campaigns regarding the benefits of trees. Additionally, he ordered the proper protection of saplings after plantation so they could reach their full stature.
The secretary of the forest department stated that all arrangements have been made for the success of this campaign. The forest department had enough saplings in stock and various sale points had been set up across the province. The spring plantation drive had a 128% success rate, as the target was exceeded by 3 million. He was hopeful that this campaign would see similar results.
