The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced its decision to launch the ‘Billion Tree Plus‘ project aimed at increasing forest cover in the province. This initiative was discussed in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur and attended by relevant officials, including Forest Minister Fazal Hakim and forest department representatives.
During the meeting, officials briefed participants on various aspects of the forest department’s operations, including performance, targets, and administrative matters. Chief Minister Gandapur emphasized the importance of completing the groundwork for the new afforestation project and urged the formulation of an effective strategy to enhance revenue collection by the department while curbing deforestation in the province.
Gandapur also directed authorities to significantly increase fines for illegal logging and timber cutting, ensuring that the fines exceed the value of the harvested timber. To monitor and prevent timber smuggling and other illegal activities, he instructed the installation of CCTV cameras at all forest checkposts.
Furthermore, the chief minister instructed officials to develop viable proposals and an action plan for promoting fisheries in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This holistic approach aims to not only increase forest cover but also enhance environmental protection and sustainable resource management in the province.
In addition to the ‘Billion Tree Plus’ project, the government is considering the ‘build, operate, and transfer’ option for the construction of the Peshawar-Dera Ismail Khan Motorway. This move is part of broader efforts to improve infrastructure and connectivity in the region, benefiting a significant portion of the population.
The ‘Billion Tree Plus’ initiative builds upon the previous ‘Billion Tree Tsunami’ project launched in 2015, reflecting the government’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
