Protection of trees vital for survival of human beings: GB governor

Green Islamabad is the outcome of unswerving efforts of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and its green environment is a rich source of entertainment for the residents as well as visitors, said Pir Karam Ali Shah, Governor of Gilgit-Baltistan here on Wednesday.
Increasing efforts for afforestation and protection of trees is imperative for survival of human beings, the Governor said on the occasion of planting sapling of Magnolia at Fatima Jinnah (F-9) Park, in connection with the ongoing Spring Tree Plantation Campaign - 2011 of the CDA. Member Environment, Mian Waheed-ud-Din and Director General Environment, Dr Suleman Sheikh were also present on the occasion.
"Our religion highly encourages tree plantation, so it is obligatory on the part of every Muslim to plant and protect trees," Shah said expressed hope that CDA will continue its hard work not only to maintain its greenery, but further enhance its green cover of the Federal Capital.
Shah said that he is representing the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and being their representative he has planted the sapling to put their share in the tree plantation in Islamabad. Earlier, Member Environment, Mian Waheed-ud-Din apprised the Governor Pir Karam Ali Shah that CDA is planting 0.5 million saplings during the current spring tree plantation campaign, which has already been launched last month by the Chairman CDA, Imtiaz Inayat Elahi.
He further informed that CDA has been disseminating awareness amongst the people from all walks of life on tree plantation and involving general public, NGOs, traders associations, members of civil society and students, adding that this time the public has took part in the current spring tree plantation campaign enthusiastically and planted hundreds of thousand saplings in different parts of the Capital.
On the directives of Chairman CDA, the concerned formation of the authority is submitting progress report about the current tree plantation on daily basis to meet the given target, said member environment. He said that CDA is monitoring the planted saplings to ensure its maximum survival and growth.