PESHAWAR
The Forest department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had informed the provincial assembly (PA) standing committee on Environment that 700 million saplings have been planted under the 10 billion tree plantation (BTP) drive in the province.
The committee meeting held in Shogran and chaired by MPA Shafiq Sher Afridi was told that one billion more saplings would be planted under BTP which would increase the forest area and land for wildlife.
It was informed that the success rate of Billion Tree Tsunami Project (BTTP) was witnessed 88 percent and it had provided 25 percent of the minimum area required for forest and wildlife.
The committee was also briefed on about the saplings planted under BTTP from 2014 to 2020 and importance of plantation in the wake of recent flash floods in the country
The committee members were also apprised about allocation of 40 percent plantation in the merged districts under BTP, besides setting up of nurseries and plantation of environment friendly plants in the province.
MPA Idress Khattak asked the department to provide details of Climate Change Policy 2017 and Climate Change Policy and Action 2022 in the next committee meeting.
On the occasion chairman of the committee appreciated Forest department for successful plantation in the province through comprehensive planning and emphasized up creating awareness among masses.
The members of the committee included MPAs Idrees Khattak, Somi Falak and Basirat Khan Bibi, while Special Secretary Environment, Deputy and Assistant Secretaries Provincial Assembly, Chief Conservator Forest department, DFOs and Section officers of Law department attended the meeting.
