Govt to Plant Over 5 Million Trees in Islamabad

The federal government is set to plant over four to five million trees in Islamabad. This initiative, part of the Carbon Credit Programme, will cover an area of 2,000 to 10,000 kanals, as announced by Romina Khurshid Alam, the Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination.

Romina highlighted that 1.5 percent of the revenue generated from recreational spots in the Margalla Hills will be allocated to protect and conserve the natural resources of the Margalla Hills National Park. This financial commitment underscores the government’s dedication to preserving the ecological integrity of this vital area.

Praising the Islamabad administration’s shift towards renewable energy, Romina acknowledged the city’s vulnerability to climate change impacts. She revealed that her ministry has proposed a unique AI-based solution to the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration to improve the city’s air quality, aiming to transform Islamabad into a model environmentally sustainable and climate-smart city.

“Currently, the air quality of Islamabad exceeds the interim WHO permissible limits, exacerbated by emissions from gasoline and diesel-fueled vehicles,” Romina stated. The proposed solution involves promoting and adopting electric vehicles and urban forestry, which are expected to enhance air quality, reduce health risks, and attract international tourists.

Romina emphasized the importance of collective efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change in the capital. “These measures are setting a pioneering example in climate action, promising a greener and more sustainable future for the residents of the capital city and the adjoining areas,” she remarked.