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ABBOTTABAD, Jul 23 (APP):Commissioner Hazara Division, Fayyaz Ali Shah, has stressed the importance of involving students and local youth in the ongoing Monsoon Tree Plantation Campaign, encouraging them to take personal ownership of trees they plant to ensure long-term care and sustainability.
He made these remarks while chairing a high-level meeting held to review progress and future plans for the plantation campaign across Hazara Division. The meeting was attended by the Chief Conservator of Forests, Deputy Commissioners of all districts, and officials from relevant departments.
Briefing the participants, the Chief Conservator of Forests stated that a target of 66,174 fruit-bearing saplings has been set for public distribution across Hazara. Of these, 9,929 saplings have already been handed out during various events, while the remaining will be distributed in phases through district administrations.
Moreover, the Forest Department has set an ambitious goal of planting 500,000 trees in the division, a plan that is currently being implemented.
Deputy Commissioners from all districts presented updates on the progress of ongoing and upcoming plantation drives in their respective areas. Commissioner Hazara directed that educational institutions be asked to provide lists of students interested in participating in plantation activities. Trees planted by these students must carry nameplates bearing their names, encouraging accountability and a sense of environmental responsibility.
Fayyaz Ali Shah also emphasized the active participation of local communities, particularly youth, to make the campaign more sustainable and impactful.
In a strategic move to enhance urban greenery, the Commissioner directed DC Abbottabad and the Forest Department to develop a detailed plantation plan for the Karakoram Highway (Supply Mandi Road).
He added that such efforts would not only beautify the city but also promote eco-friendly urban development.
Additionally, all Deputy Commissioners were instructed to initiate tree plantation along roadsides and streets where space permits. Special instructions were given to the DCs of Upper, Lower, and Central Kohistan to identify suitable plantation sites in coordination with the Forest Department and local youth, ensuring tree maintenance and long-term care.