On the instruction of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the largest tree plantation campaign was launched a few days ago in Islamabad to mitigate environmental pollution by improving the city’s beauty and securing wildlife. Â
During this campaign, about 4 million trees are claimed to be planted over the brief period of the next 60 days. The main aim of this campaign is to secure and increase the wildlife and plantation in the Margalla Hills.
The Interior Minister has tasked CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa to make this drive impactful and successful. He also instructed that all resources must be utilized to restore the original aesthetic of Margalla Hills and protect the trees there. Through this scheme, the damage caused by wildfires due to heatwaves in Margalla Hills will be controlled.
Mohsin Naqvi also mentioned and commanded to clarify that to digitally monitor the saplings during the campaign. He claimed that rather than ornamental trees, fruit-bearing and flowering plants must be planted which will make Islamabad appear greener and lusher.
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He claimed that the Margalla Hills tree plantation campaign will mitigate environmental pollution in the city and this campaign will continue for 60 days and will prove to be impactful if it is completed.
What will be the impacts of the tree plantation drive of 4 million trees in the Margalla Hills?
The first impact of tree plantation drive is an environmental benefit, which is to reduce pollution and large-scale planting trees will absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants that pollute the environment, which will lead to cleaner air in Islamabad. The Second benefit is from an environmental perspective is “climate regulation”. The more trees grow, the more it will be able to regulate the climate by delivering shade, reducing heat waves, and increasing humidity through the process of transpiration.
The second important benefit is ecological benefit. It will enhance the biodiversity. As we know planting diversifies the species, especially fruit-bearing and flowering plants will prove to be the creation of habitats, creating habitats for various species, especially wildlife species, which will promote biodiversity. The second function of this is wildlife protection. This initiative of tree plantation drive will deliver shelter and food for local species, especially wildlife, which will conserve the native species of wildlife.
The third most important benefit is aesthetic and recreational benefit. If there are more fruit-bearing and flowering trees in the environment, definitely it will lead to improvement in the overall visual appearance of Islamabad and Islamabad will appear more attractive to residents and visitors. So green areas will provide more recreational spaces for citizens, especially for tourists, and it will promote the mental well-being of people.
The fourth most important benefit is economic benefit. It will lead to tourism boost and a greener and more beautiful place can attract more tourists. It will boost the economy. Besides this tree plantation drive can prove to be the creation of jobs in that area, relative to tree planting, maintenance, and monitoring.
The fifth most important benefit is if we look at is the educational and community involvement. More educational programs about the importance of trees in environmental conservation, creating a culture of sustainability. It will encourage local communities to cooperate in the planting and maintenance of trees, which will strengthen community bonds and promote collective responsibility for the environment.