‘Billion Tree Plus’ plantation campaign launched

PESHAWAR: Commissioner Peshawar Division, Riaz Khan Mahsud, has launched the ‘Billion Tree Plus’ campaign to promote greenery and environmental sustainability in the division.

Special teams comprising district forest officers and deputy commissioners have been formed at the district level to oversee the campaign. The Forest Department has been directed to supply 750,000 saplings to the deputy commissioners immediately.

The saplings will be planted in key locations, including areas near rivers, streams, and other fertile regions, with the assistance of 4,500 workers from the Water and Sanitation Services Peshawar (WSSP). Additionally, a large number of saplings will be distributed free of cost among the public in tribal districts to encourage widespread participation.

To engage the public, a comprehensive awareness campaign will be launched through print, electronic, and social media. Commissioner Riaz Mahsud will personally monitor the campaign, and major events will be organised in all five districts to ensure its success. Police and security agencies will ensure the protection of the planted saplings.

A meeting chaired by Riaz Mahsud discussed the campaign’s success. The meeting was attended by the conservator of the Forest Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, all five deputy commissioners of Peshawar division, district forest officers, district police officers, and other relevant officials. A strategic plan was devised, directing the Forest Department to identify suitable and secure locations for planting saplings within 24 hours.

The commissioner emphasised that all resources would be utilised to ensure the campaign’s success, warning that strict action would be taken against any officer or employee found negligent.

Under the ‘Billion Tree Plus’ campaign, a significant number of saplings will be planted along the under-construction Northern Bypass Road and other areas. Orders have been issued to the district forest officers to visit these areas and identify suitable locations for planting. Similarly, saplings will also be planted along the under-construction Hayatabad jogging and cycling track.