Federal Minister for
Climate Change Senator Mushahidullah khan inaugurated the construction of
boundary wall of proposed zoo cum botanical Garden in Bhara Kaho , Islamabad under the Zoological
Survey of Pakistan which is a department under Ministry of Climate Change.
While addressing the guest at ceremony,
Federal Minister for Climate Change Senator Mushahidullah Khan said
biodiversity is very important for our economic and social development and
survival of human beings. There are many benefits attached to biodiversity at
national level along international advantages. The protection of biodiversity
must be first priority in the country like Pakistan where social and economic
development because it can play an important role in elimination of poverty.
He further added that
according to global biodiversity Out Look report reduction in our biodiversity
is leading our nature towards destruction. In order to deal with climatic
changes and keep balance in our natural environment, we need collective
efforts. He further highlighted that Zoological survey of Pakistan is playing
an active role besides its limited resources. The establishment of Botanical
Garden in Islamabad is one also one of such initiatives. The increased
construction activities in Islamabad are damaging its environment. The
establishment of a Botanical garden comprising 725 acres will be a milestone in
protecting our environment. He also informed the guests that it would be one of
its own kind botanical garden about 15 kilometers in length. The plan of
protecting this garden through boundary wall is initiated by government of
Pakistan with the cost of ten crores. Which will be completed in two years.
Next Year with the cost of two billions, PC-1 for different projects of
environmental protection will be prepared.
He also informed that the
guest that when human beings were sent into this world, he was welcomed with
natural resources including lakes, mountains, rivers animals and plants as
well. The developed nations in their process of industrial revolution did not
realize that we are causing global warming. He also told the audience that
Prophet Muhammad PBUH talked about climate change 14 years ago. We are
increasing deforestation in our country. Tree helps to stop floods for 72
hours. He also said that many countries are using coal for energy production.
India is producing energy 40% from coal and
China is producing 60% .We are living under glaciers of highest mountain
ranges like Himalayas, Hindu Kush, Karakaram.
He further added this
botanical garden would be very rare in the region. It will include all kind of
animals’ plants species. The zoos, amusement parks, lakes, wetlands will be
constructed in the botanical garden. He also informed that I have written
letter to our foreign Office to take up matter of smog with India.
The event was attended by
Ms. Romina Bashir Alam Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change, Ms. Farhana
Qamar MNA , Senator Saleem Zia, senior officers of Ministry of Climate
Change large number of people from
different walk of life including, local community, media persons and civil
society.
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