KARACHI:Department of Biotechnology, the University of Karachi, and the National Forum for Environment and Health (NFEH) have joined hands to jointly conduct the tree plantation campaign. A tree plantation activity was held in this regard at the Biotechnology Department on the KU campus. In the first phase of the plantation drive, 100 tree saplings were planted and more saplings will be planted in the next phase, according to a statement issued on Tuesday.

Speaking on the occasion, NFEH President Naeem Qureshi said that Karachi had lost its charm with its climate getting warmer with the passage of time due to a constant decrease in tree cover. He lamented the situation that tree cover was merely present on a three per cent area of the city whereas ideally, 25 per cent area of Karachi should be green.

Qureshi urged the KU students to come forward and fully own the tree plantation drive.

Chairman of the Biotechnology Department, Prof Dr Saifullah, said that it was his firm resolve that his department should become a green zone and environment friendly area on the campus as for this purpose massive plantation activity would be conducted. Impact Foundation President Zafar Saleem said that his nongovernmental organisation had been working for the cause of environmental protection, training, and creating job opportunities for the youth.

Later, the plantation activity was carried out by the KU’s faculty members, students, NFEH office-bearers, and Faeq Saleem of the Green Team. They also expressed resolve to take care of the newly planted saplings. Earlier, the NFEH joined hands with the Capital Development Authority for plantation activity at Islamabad’s Heritage Village in March this year. Some 400 saplings were planted in the plantation activity in the federal capital. The plantation drive this year will continue by the end of this year’s monsoon season.

Also present at the plantation activity were Ruqiya Naeem, Ghulam Kabria of NFEH, and lecturer at the Biotechnology Department, Dr Shumaila Rashid.