On this occasion, the Prime Minister's Coordinator for Health Affairs, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Barth, participated in the tree plantation campaign as the chief guest and planted a pine tree. Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa and MD OGDCL, Ahmed Hayat Lak, also planted pine trees on the occasion. The tree plantation campaign was attended by a large number of senior environment officers as well as students from universities, colleges, and schools.
Talking to the media, the Prime Minister's Coordinator for Health Affairs, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Barth, said that he is thankful to the students and civil society representatives who actively participated in this special campaign alongside the CDA. He said that he is also thankful to OGDCL, which is planting 20,000 trees under its CSR initiative.
Prime Minister's Coordinator for Health Affairs said that trees causing pollen allergies have been removed to make the Capital City Islamabad 'Liveable'. The removal of these pollen-allergic trees has resulted in a significant decrease in the pollen count in the Federal Capital, Islamabad. He said that 30,000 large-sized trees will be planted in place of about 8,000 pollen-producing trees at Shakarparian.
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Barth said that QR codes are also being affixed for better care of the planted trees. Similarly, the planted trees can be monitored not only through QR codes but also via an application. He further added that the green areas of the Federal Capital, Islamabad, are increasing day by day.
Speaking on the occasion, CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa said that I especially thank the students, civil society and corporate sector representatives for participating in the plantation campaign. He said that under this year's plantation campaign, the planting of environmentally friendly trees continues on the capital's highways, commercial centers, green belts and in parks.
Chairman CDA said that a formal record of the planted trees is also being preserved. Similarly, modern technology is being utilized in the plantation campaign through QR codes and a special application; details of the planted trees are being stored on QR codes, and a regular tracking system has been devised. Chairman CDA said that with the help of QR codes, access to information regarding tree species, age, size, growth and other related details will be facilitated.
Chairman CDA said that if we all collectively plant at least one tree each in the name of our parents, siblings and children, it will have a profound impact on the environment. He suggested that the Education Department and HEC should also award special marks to ensure the participation of all students in plantation activities.
Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa said, Come! Let us all together make our Federal Capital Islamabad even greener and more vibrant. He said that, after the approval of CDA Board and consultations with the Ministry of Health and environmental experts, Paper Mulberry trees are being removed and for every plant removed, at least three new environment-friendly saplings are being planted. He said that under the Spring Tree Plantation Campaign, native, fruit-bearing and shade-providing trees are being planted.
Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa emphasized that to make the plantation campaign a success, we must all play our full part collectively. He said that for environmental protection not only we but all citizens must also play their active role in this regard. Chairman CDA further said that any institutions wishing to join this plantation campaign under CSR are welcome. He said the objective of this plantation campaign is to increase the green cover of Islamabad City and ensure environmental protection.
MD OGDCL Ahmed Hayat Lak said that Islamabad is a City belonging to all of us, and we are always ready to extend every possible cooperation to the CDA to maintain its beauty. He further said that for environmental protection and to keep Islamabad green and lush, not only the CDA but all of us collectively must play our full role.
On this occasion, students, teachers and representatives of civil society participating in the plantation campaign planted thousands of pine trees at the Shakarparian location in large numbers.
