Various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Call On Public To Participate In Plantation During Monsoon Season

Various civil society organizations (CSOs) called upon the general public to participate in monsoon plantation in Peshawar and rest of KP.

PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Jul, 2018 ) :Various civil society organizations (CSOs) called upon the general public to participate in monsoon plantation in Peshawar and rest of KP.

The extreme heat wave in June amply demonstrated that climate change and global warming has a direct impact on the weather patterns; thereby increase in intensity and duration of heat and cold waves globally, said a press release issued here on Friday.

Pakistan is considered one of the most vulnerable among other countries as most affected according to Long-Term Climate Risk Index (LTCRI)."The Climate Risk Index may serve as a red flag for already existing vulnerability that may further increase in regions, where extreme events will become more frequent or more severe due to climate change," reveals the report.

Pakistan is ranked on 7th position, with a death toll of 523.1 lives per year i.e. 10,462 lives lost in 20 years and economic losses worth US $ 3.8 billion � equivalent to 0.605 per cent of the GDP in the 20 year period. During this time, Pakistan had suffered from 141 extreme weather events � cyclones, storms, floods, Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and heatwaves, etc. In last year's long-term index (1996 to 2015 average), Pakistan held 7th position.

All major cities of Pakistan have undergone massive deforestation after felling of precious trees.

These being an integral part of ecosystem that maintain cool weather, cut noise and air pollution and nurture biodiversity; sustaining life and health of its population. Therefore, we need to act in the face of clear and present danger.

Peshawar BRT tough a positive project, was implemented without planning therefore it has become an ecological disaster. As a result, defacing Peshawar's natural and built heritage was criminal negligence, while destroying hundreds of old green trees shall take decades to grow again.

To mitigate irreversible damage to ecology, the Director General PDA has urged upon the general public to help rehabilitate the green belts and trees along the BRT route and promised to play its part in a private public partnership.

During a meeting with DG, PDA, representatives of various CSOs pledged their support in contributing in a big way in massive monsoon plantation drive in Peshawar district with plantation of indigenous and environmental friendly trees along the BRT route and other parts.

The CSOs urged the general public, colleges, schools, universities, mosques and madrassas, community members and all sections of society to come together and participate to make this drive a success.

CSOs offered online help for this purpose with following contacts for information and consultation on the monsoon plantation drive.