Islamabad - Minister of State for Capital Administration and Development Division (CADD) Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry yesterday launched the monsoon tree plantation campaign by planting a sapling here at green-belt of Saidpur village.

Addressing on the occasion, the minister said that plantation of trees and their preservation is perpetual charity and residents of the capital city should participate in this campaign so that the green character of Islamabad could further be enhanced.

He said that in order to create awareness about the importance of environment among the children, tree plantation would be added in their curriculums. He said that the Prime Minister has allocated special package of Rs 5 billion for up-gradation, renovation, beautification and uplift of all civic amenities in the federal capital. He added all roads are being up-graded, parks are being uplifted while all civic amenities are also being improved under this package.

He said that Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) and Capital development Authority (CDA) will contribute collectively to make Islamabad more beautiful and modern metropolis. He said that in order to eradicate issue of pollen allergy from the city, the CDA is working on comprehensive strategy.

He said that under the strategy all trees which are causing pollen will be replaced by the fruit and other indigenous plants including Chir Pine, Kachnar, Amaltas, Dhreak, Jacaranda, Olive and Jaman etc.

Mayor of Islamabad Sheikh Anser Aziz said that MCI is committed to make Islamabad more beautiful and modern city of the world. He said that maximum plantation of trees would purify the environment, which would help reduce the pollution in the city. He asked the residents to play their role in preservation of green character of the city so that desired results could be achieved from

the campaign.

Member Environment and Financial Advisor CDA, Sana Ullah Aman said that comprehensive arrangements have been made to raise awareness in this regard so as maximum people could be indulged in the plantation drive. He said that under the awareness campaign, posters, banners and streamers have been displayed in different areas of the city whereas car-stickers, paper-bags and badges carrying slogans for planting trees are also being distributed.

He said that during the monsoon tree plantation drive, the CDA would plant 300,000 plant saplings in different areas of the city. Mayor of Islamabad Sheikh Anser Aziz, Deputy Mayors Azam Khan and Rifat Javed, Ambassadors of different countries, Vice Chancellors of various universities, senior officials of the CDA and other government departments, representatives of NGOs,

environmentalists, representatives of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce

and Industries and students of different educational institutes also

participated in the inaugural ceremony and planted plant saplings on

this occasions.