In the meeting, the chief minister was briefed on the department’s administrative matters, performance, goals and other issues
Peshawar: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has taken a principled decision to start the “Billion Tree Plus” project in the province.
A meeting of the Department of Forests and Environment was held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur, in which Provincial Minister of Forests Fazal Hakeem and senior officials of the Department of Forests participated. In the meeting, the Chief Minister was briefed about the department’s administrative matters, performance, goals and other issues.
The provincial government has taken an in-principle decision to start the Billion Tree Plus project to increase the forest area in Pakhtunkhwa. In this regard, the Chief Minister has directed the concerned authorities to complete the homework for the proposed Billion Tree Plus project.
Chief Minister KPK also directed the concerned authorities to prepare an action plan to stop deforestation and increase the revenue of the department. He said that the department should prepare feasible proposals and action plans for the promotion of wildlife and fisheries.
Ali Amin Gandapur said that the current rate of fines should be increased to prevent illegal cutting of forests in the province. The fines should be increased so that the amount exceeds the value of the timber harvested. CCTV cameras should be installed at check posts to keep a close watch on timber smuggling.
Matters related to the implementation of scientific management of forests were also discussed in the meeting.
Chief Minister KPK said that forests are the asset of the province and the trust of future generations. Protection and promotion of forests is one of the main priorities of the provincial government. The forest area in the province will be further increased to counter the adverse effects of climate change.
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