A tree plantation drive spearheaded by the students of Punjab University

Lahore: A tree plantation drive spearheaded by a group of students of Punjab University was performed in the premises of University’s Institute of Agricultural Sciences (IAS) on Thursday, as an earnest effort for conserving the ecology and to foster the right kind of space and atmosphere around the institution.

The drive was jointly organized by Punjab forest department, IAS and non-governmental organizations Oxfam and Indus Consortium to spread awareness and develop ownership among students. Over 100 students and citizens turned up to plant trees.

Speaking on the occasion, additional secretary Punjab Forest Department Mian Abrar Ahmad, said that each tree has the capacity to approx. sequester 1.8 tons of carbon dioxide in its lifetime. A plant needs to be maintained for 2-3 years and then it will stand for life. Therefore, each one of us not only needs to just plant trees but, also take care of them. The challenge begins after the plantation has been done,” emphasized Abrar.

The drive involved the planting of various indigenous saplings – pomegranate, grapes, roses – that are appropriate to the local environment and was an attempt to educate the students on how their small efforts towards a noble cause can bring a huge difference in the present environmental scenario.

“Our country is severely affecting by global warming and climate change. This initiative will have a positive impact on the environment.  I am happy to be part of the drive,” said ——-, an excited student.

Director IAS Prof. Dr. Saleem Haider, said that we want young buds to grow in a healthy environment, and for a healthy environment it’s essential to have healthy surroundings. “We are always ready for such plantations and awareness drives since campuses are the places where students invest most of their effective time,” added Dr. Saleem.

Kiran Simon, Liaison Officer of Indus Consortium’s GROW campaign, said that it is kind of an activity where the students of the university got to demonstrate their environmental responsibility. “Trees play a vital role in rural and urban populations. They are needed to enrich and anchor soil, to maximize water supplies, to beautify and humanize townships and urban areas and to provide shade and shelter. They are also crucial for biodiversity conservation,” Kiran elaborated.

Through this campaign, the students of the university were not only involved in a healthy exercise but it also made them learn about team work, their environment and filled them with a sense of responsibility, love and compassion.

“We feel privileged that we are able to do our bit towards preserving the place we live in. Although our efforts are very small as compared to what actually is required to be done, making difference to even a single life is a payback for us,” opined ———–, another student.