ISLAMABAD, 29 AUG, (DNA) – Minister of State for Capital Administration and Development Division (CADD) Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has inaugurated the Monsoon Tree Plantation Campaign – 2016 and planted a plant sapling here at Green Belt of Saidpur Range along Margalla Road on Monday.

Mayor of Islamabad Sheikh Anser Aziz, Deputy Mayors Azam Khan and Rifat Javed, Ambassadors of different countries, Vice Chancellors of various universities, Member Environment / Member Finance CDA Sanaullah Aman, senior officers of the CDA and other government departments, representatives of NGOs, environmentalists, representatives of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industries and students of different educational institutes also participated in the inaugural ceremony and planted plant saplings on this occasions.

Minister of State for CADD, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said that plantation of trees and their preservation is perpetual charity and residents of the Capital City should participate in this campaign so that the green character of Islamabad could further be enhanced. He said that in order to create awareness about the importance of environment among the children, tree plantation would be added in their curriculums.

He said that Prime Minister of Pakistan has allocated special package of Rs. 5.00 billion for up-gradation, renovation, beautification and uplift of all civic amenities in the Federal Capital and in this context all roads are being up-graded, parks are being uplifted while all civic amenities are also being improved under this package. He said that Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) and CDA will contribute collectively to make Islamabad more beautiful and modern metropolis.

Minister of State for CADD further said that in order to eradicate issue of pollen allergy from the city, CDA is working on comprehensive strategy. He said that under the strategy all trees which are causing pollen will be replaced by the fruit and other indigenous plants including Chir Pine, Kachnar, Amaltas, Dhreak, Jacaranda, Olive and Jaman etc.

Mayor of Islamabad Sheikh Anser Aziz said that MCI is committed to make Islamabad more beautiful and modern city of the world. He said that maximum plantation of trees would purify the environment, which would help reduce the pollution in the city. He asked the residents to play their role in preservation of green character of the city so that desired results could be achieved from the campaign.

Member Environment / Financial Advisor CDA, Sanullah Aman apprised the participants  that practical participation Sector Citizens Committees, traders, educational institutes, NGOs and environmentalists have been ensured. He further briefed that comprehensive arrangements have been made to raise awareness in this regard so as maximum people could be indulged in the plantation drive.

He said that under the awareness campaign, poster, banners and streamers have been displayed in different areas of the city whereas car-stickers, paper-bags and badges carrying slogans for planting trees are also being distributed. HE said that During the Moonsoon Tree Plantation Drive-2016, CDA would plant 300,000 plant saplings in different areas of the city. =DNA

===========