SIALKOT: The district administration has launched a Monsoon Special Tree Plantation Drive across Sialkot, setting a target of planting 150,000 trees during the current monsoon season.
Deputy Commissioner Awais Mushtaq formally inaugurated the campaign at the Sialkot Tannery Zone (STZ) by planting a sapling. The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Environment Protection Department and the Sialkot Tannery Zone Association.
Under the plantation plan, the Environment Department has been assigned a target of 15,000 trees, while 11 other government departments and civic bodies will collectively plant another 135,000 saplings.
Participating departments include the Health, Education, Forest, Highways and Local Government departments, along with the Municipal Corporation, District Council, Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) and the Marala and Pasrur Link Canal Irrigation Divisions.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Deputy Commissioner Awais Mushtaq highlighted the importance of expanding green cover to reduce urban temperatures, control air pollution and create a healthier environment for future generations.
He said the monsoon season provides favourable conditions for plantation and directed all participating departments to ensure proper aftercare, protection and regular monitoring of newly planted saplings.
The Deputy Commissioner stressed that the success of the campaign would not be measured merely by the number of trees planted, but by their survival and healthy growth.
Deputy Director Environment Protection Pakeeza Bukhari, CEO Sialkot Tannery Zone Association Zulfiqar Hayat, Environment Inspector Shahid Dogar and Project Director Tannery Zone Association Mirza Atif were also present at the inauguration.
The district-wide campaign is aimed at strengthening Sialkot’s green cover and promoting collective responsibility for environmental protection and climate resilience.