Federal Minister for Climate Change Mushahidullah Khan inaugurated the construction of a boundary wall of the proposed zoo cum botanical Garden in Bhara Kahu, Islamabad.
While addressing guests at the ceremony, the minister said that biodiversity is very important for our economic and social development and survival of human beings. There are many benefits attached to biodiversity at national level along international advantages.
The protection of biodiversity must be our first priority in a country like Pakistan, where social and economic development because it can play an important role in elimination of poverty, said the minister.
He further added that according to Global Biodiversity Outlook Report, reduction in our biodiversity is leading nature towards destruction. In order to deal with climatic change and maintain balance in our natural environment, we need a collective effort. He further highlighted that Zoological Survey of Pakistan is playing an active role despite having limited resources.
The establishment of a botanical garden in Islamabad is one also one of such initiatives. The increased construction activities in Islamabad are damaging its environment. The establishment of a Botanical garden comprising 725 acres will be a milestone in protecting our environment.
He also informed the guests that it would be one of a kind botanical garden around 15 kilometers in length. This plan was initiated by Government of Pakistan at a cost of Rs. 100 million, and will be completed in two years. Next year with the cost of Rs. 2 billion, PC-1 for different projects of environmental protection will be prepared as well.
He said that when human beings were sent into this world, they were welcomed with natural resources including lakes, mountains, rivers animals and plants. The developed nations, in their process of industrial revolution, did not realize that we are destroying the environment and causing global warming.
He also told the audience that Prophet Muhammad PBUH talked about climate change 1400 years ago. We are increasing deforestation in Pakistan, even though trees help delay the floods for 72 hours.
We are living under glaciers of one of the highest mountain ranges in the world including Himalayas, Hindu Kush, Karakoram.
The botanical garden will include all kind of animal and plant species. Zoos, amusement parks, lakes, wetlands will be constructed in the botanical garden. “I have written letter to our Foreign Office to take up the matter of smog with India” said Mushahidullah.
The event was attended by Romina Bashir Alam Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change, Ms. Farhana Qamar MNA, Senator Saleem Zia, senior officers of Ministry of Climate Change large number of people from different walk of life including, local community, media persons and civil society.
Let me guess, with American aid is it?
Let me guess, you’re not real Abdul WAHAB.
since Propakistani has changed the layout, Mr. Wahab has been disappeared.
Thank you PP:)
US has stopped all aid for sure as it was all a waste as usual. Just growing grass wont cost much. the planning will be usually substandard
waste of land and effort, better to plant 40x40sqm with olive plants or jatropa plants and save $2 billion every year after 5 years for the next 60 years