Faiza Sajjad
Our Earth is endangered with various challenges; wherein, environmental pollution and climate change are the biggest amongst all. Increasing temperature of Earth, resulting in melting glaciers is an imminent warning for the whole world. This will affect life adversely on earth, particularly the human beings. For the last 3 decades, negligence towards tree plantation and lack of knowledge about importance and significance of trees has resulted in excessive deforestation;resultantly drastic change in the environment are being felt. Trees not only purify our surroundings but also aid against soil corrosion and land sliding.
Tree Plantation provides us an opportunity to strengthen our bond with nature. Forests are mandatory not only for our socio economic development but also for purification of our environment. Besides putting in concerted efforts to promote tree plantation, deforestation has caused damage to our environment. It is, therefore, necessary to restrain the excessive cutting of trees. Government of Pakistan has already taken a constructive initiative of ‘Green Pakistan Program’.
Healthy life is only possible due to healthy and pure climate. As population is on the rise, there is a dire need to plant more and more trees in order to have a safe and protected environment. In this regard, under the ‘Green Pakistan’ program, 100 million trees will be planted in five years.
Pakistan Navy is committed to contribute in ‘Green Pakistan’ program. World Environment Day is celebrated every year to bring awareness among the masses about healthy environment. On that day, various environmental hazards and their remedies are highlighted. Seminars, lectures, walks and other activities are conducted to bring awareness among the masses.Concurrently, for an enhanced coastal ecosystem and eradication of oceanic intrusion and coastal pollution, Pakistan Navy initiated Mangroves Plantation Campaign (MPC) in 2016.Two million Mangroves have been planted in last two years under MPC 16 & 17 and another two million Mangroves will be planted during Mangroves Plantation Campaign 2018. Pakistan Navy also actively participated in world record made by Govt of Sindh for planting maximum number of mangroves in one day.
The capital of Pakistan, Islamabad has a beautiful lush green and captivating mountainous range of Margalla Hills. For the last few years, deforestation has stolen the beauty and greenery of the hills. There was time (80’s) when Margalla hills used to receive snowfall in winters; but all is part of history now. Pakistan Navy has decided to undertake tree plantation on Margalla Hills in order to make Islamabad more beautiful and green. The campaign was stated on 15 July 18 and a total of 1 Million trees will be planted till April 2020. During the first phase of Pakistan Navy Tree Plantation Campaign, 0.1 Million saplings were planted while the second phase will start from 15 February 2019, in which 0.2 Million trees will be planted. The third phase will start from 15 July 2019, in which 0.3Million trees will be planted and in fourth phase 0.4 Million plantions will be undertaken. Planting of Pine trees will be preferred as they are considered to be the most suitable for hilly areas. The campaign will also focus on the maintenance of record of the planted trees, which includes the details about species of trees, serial number and the location of plantation. Steps are also being taken for protection of the planted saplings.
In his message on the occasion of inaugural ceremony of Tree Plantation Campaign, Chief of the Naval Staff has not only expressed his concern on deforestation but also laid emphasis on increasing forest area for our future generations. Officers and sailors of Pakistan Navy are dedicatedly and devotedly participating in the national cause and mission of Pakistan Navy. In this regard, Field Commands of Pakistan Navy have started a series of Tree Plantation Campaign from coastal areas to the North. During the campaign, the plants are not only nourished but also being protected.
Pakistan Navy’s extensive efforts, to protect environment are highly appreciated and it is need of the hour that same suit is followed by public and private sector. It is the duty of every Pakistani to fulfill his/her duty to provide safe and secure natural environment to our generations.There is a need for all to come forward and play role in making Green Pakistan Program a success.
