News Desk |
Chief Minister Baluchistan Jam Kamal has launched the afforestation campaign in his province. The CM has initiated a tree plantation drive that will seek the plantation of 2.5 billion trees across the province in the next five years.
“In the first phase of the tree plantation drive, 80,000 trees and saplings are being planted today across the province and during this spring season 1.2 million trees will be planted, which definitely would create a positive impact on our environment.” He kicked off the plantation drive by planting a sapling at Chief Minister Secretariat.
Jam Kamal said the current period of rain the province has provided a suitable environment for the plantation and flourishment of trees.
“The government has plans to plant more trees in areas having good rainy seasons but we have also decided to plant species that can be grown in dry areas with less water,” Kamal said, adding that the provincial government was taking steps for environmental protection.
CM Kamal said his government is considering bringing an updated and new Forest Act since the existing one dates back to 100 years. The new Forest Act will the department sets its new direction and goals.
“We have a complete scheme regarding the current tree plantation drive and its sustainability, and we are focusing on how to expand our forests”, said Kamal further.
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Commenting on the previous plantation campaigns, Kamal said “We can see saplings planted by previous chief ministers but we want to change the precedents. We have decided to plant trees and saplings on patches of 100 or 200 acres that should have a positive impact on the environment of the province.”
He said, “The first meeting of the environmental council was held during our tenure and unfortunately the province was under the grip of drought for the past three years. As we all know, we can’t plant trees in all seasons because they can better grow in spring.” He informed that Baluchistan contributes least to the overall carbon emission due to lesser industries.
It was an initiative of our government that will yield long-term positive environmental impact for Baluchistan”, said Kamal in conclusion.
“Tough we have brick kilns but the government has experimented to install filtration plants to control the smoke and it was a good experience. We have plans to install filtration plants in all brick kilns.”
Jam Kamal said the current period of rain the province has provided a suitable environment for the plantation and flourishment of trees.
He further said that the provincial government is looking forward to signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco), that will help the government to ascertain the most viable land in the province for afforestation and agriculture through real-time data of satellite imagery.
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“Keeping in view the level of water ascertained with Suparco’s help, we can make irrigation plans for Baluchistan, including identification of areas suitable grazing. It was an initiative of our government that will yield long-term positive environmental impact for Baluchistan”, said Kamal in conclusion.