Planting trees and promoting a greener environment is a global movement that has been gaining momentum in recent years. The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) Lahore has joined this movement by launching a tree plantation campaign in the city. On this occasion, the authority commemorated the International Day of Plant Health by organizing a tree plantation ceremony at Qarshi Park. The campaign was part of the PHA’s ‘Plant for Pakistan’ initiative, which aims to promote a greener and more sustainable environment in the country. The initiative has been well-received by the public, and citizens are actively participating in tree planting activities across the city.
Planting 2,000 Trees at Qarshi Park
A total of 2,000 trees were planted at Qarshi Park, focusing on native, shade-providing, and fruit-bearing species. The trees planted included Alstonia, Arjun, Jamun, Al-Mutas, and Bougainvillea. These species were selected for their adaptability to the local climate, resistance to urban stress, and environmental value. The trees were planted under the supervision of the Project Director Qarshi Park, Shafiq Raza. The participants were informed about the benefits of tree planting, including the provision of shade, improved air quality, and enhanced biodiversity.
- Benefits of tree planting include: provision of shade, improved air quality, and enhanced biodiversity.
- The trees planted at Qarshi Park were selected for their adaptability to the local climate and resistance to urban stress.
- The trees were also valued for their environmental benefits, including the provision of oxygen and natural air purifiers.
Extensive Plantation across Lahore
In addition to Qarshi Park, the PHA conducted extensive plantation activities at other locations across the city. A total of 500,000 trees were planted as part of its urban forestry campaigns. More than 250,000 saplings were also freely distributed to the public to encourage private and community planting. The trees were planted at strategic locations across the city, including the ‘Lungs of Lahore’ project with over 100,000 trees, 30,000 at Sattukatla Drain, 25,000 at Babu Sabu Interchange, 19,500 at Niazi Chowk, 10,000 at Saggian Road, 8,000 at China Scheme Drain, 5,400 at Shahdara Flyover, and 6,000 along Ferozepur Road.
| Project | Number of Trees Planted |
|---|---|
| Lungs of Lahore | 100,000 |
| Sattukatla Drain | 30,000 |
| Babu Sabu Interchange | 25,000 |
| Niazi Chowk | 19,500 |
| Saggian Road | 10,000 |
| China Scheme Drain | 8,000 |
| Shahdara Flyover | 5,400 |
| Ferozepur Road | 6,000 |
Importance of Tree Planting
Director General PHA Lahore M Tahir Wattoo stressed the importance of tree planting in ensuring a healthier environment, combating air pollution, and addressing urban smog. Trees are the lungs of our city, a vital source of oxygen and natural air purifiers, he said. The Director General also emphasized that tree planting is an ongoing process, especially along roadsides and areas where older trees had fallen due to storms. At each vacant spot, five new trees are being planted to restore and expand the green cover. The Director General urged all citizens to actively participate in planting and nurturing trees around them. He encouraged citizens to join hands with the PHA to promote a greener and more sustainable environment in the city.
PHA’s Commitment to a Greener Lahore
The PHA has planted nearly one million plants during the current fiscal year. Over 500,000 trees were planted as part of its urban forestry campaigns, while more than 250,000 saplings were freely distributed to the public to encourage private and community planting. The PHA has made significant contributions to urban greening in Lahore, including the ‘Lungs of Lahore’ project, which has seen the planting of over 100,000 trees. The authority has also planted trees at Sattukatla Drain, Babu Sabu Interchange, Niazi Chowk, Saggian Road, China Scheme Drain, Shahdara Flyover, and Ferozepur Road.
- PHA’s initiatives have contributed to a significant reduction in air pollution and urban smog in Lahore.
- The authority has also promoted a culture of tree planting and maintenance among citizens.
- The ‘Plant for Pakistan’ initiative has been well-received by the public, and citizens are actively participating in tree planting activities across the city.
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“The planting of trees is a small step towards a healthier environment, but it is a step that can make a significant difference.” – M Tahir Wattoo, Director General PHA Lahore
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) Lahore has demonstrated its commitment to a greener Lahore by launching a tree plantation campaign in the city. The initiative has been well-received by the public, and citizens are actively participating in tree planting activities across the city. The PHA has made significant contributions to urban greening in Lahore, including the planting of over 100,000 trees as part of the ‘Lungs of Lahore’ project. The authority has also promoted a culture of tree planting and maintenance among citizens, and has distributed over 250,000 saplings to the public to encourage private and community planting. As the Director General M Tahir Wattoo said, “The planting of trees is a small step towards a healthier environment, but it is a step that can make a significant difference.” The PHA’s commitment to a greener Lahore is a testament to the importance of urban greening and the role that citizens can play in promoting a healthier environment.
