Tree plantation need of hour to ensure greener future: MD Horticulture Agency

RAWALPINDI, Jul 27 (APP):Managing Director Horticulture Agency Rawalpindi Ahmed Hassan Ranjha on Monday said tree plantation was not merely a campaign but a national responsibility aimed at providing future generations with a healthy, clean and pleasant environment.

He said climate change, rising pollution and increasing temperatures had made tree plantation one of the most pressing needs of the time. In line with the vision of the Government of Punjab and the special directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Horticulture Agency was implementing comprehensive measures to transform Rawalpindi into a greener, more beautiful and environment-friendly city.

The managing director said the agency was carrying out extensive tree plantation drives, seasonal flower cultivation, lawn rehabilitation, installation of ornamental plants and other environment-friendly initiatives in parks, green belts, roadsides, public squares and other public spaces across the city. These efforts, he said, were aimed at enhancing the city’s beauty while ensuring cleaner air and a healthier living environment for citizens.

Ahmed Hassan Ranjha said trees played a vital role in producing oxygen, reducing air pollution, lowering temperatures, preventing soil erosion and preserving biodiversity. A green city, he added, not only ensured environmental sustainability but also contributed significantly to the physical and mental well-being of its residents.

He said the Horticulture Agency was continuing the beautification and rehabilitation of parks, improvement of nurseries and development of green infrastructure through modern horticultural practices. Thousands of saplings were being planted across different parts of the city, while equal attention was being paid to the protection and maintenance of existing trees to ensure their long-term sustainability.

The managing director urged citizens, educational institutions, civil society organizations, the business community and the youth to actively participate in the tree plantation campaign by planting at least one tree and taking responsibility for its care and maintenance. He said planting a tree alone was not enough, stressing that its protection and proper growth were equally important.

Ahmed Hassan Ranjha said building a clean, green and beautiful Rawalpindi was a shared responsibility of both the government and the public. He reaffirmed the Horticulture Agency’s commitment to advancing the vision of the Government of Punjab by utilizing all available resources and expertise to strengthen tree plantation initiatives, improve parks and develop green belts with the objective of making Rawalpindi one of the most beautiful and environmentally sustainable cities in Pakistan.