The University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, (UAF) will develop a forest park on 60 acres of land at the Proka Chukaira Farm, seven kilometres from its New Campus, to create awareness about hazards of climate change and deforestation.
The decision was announced by Vice Chancellor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan on Sunday during a meeting of UAF officials at the launch of a plantation drive. Pir Meher Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Vice Chancellor Dr Rai Niaz planted a sapling to inaugurate the drive.
Dr Khan said the net area of forests in the country was only three percent compared to the international standard of 25 percent. He said the people must be made aware about the potential hazards of deforestation. He said the university will plant as many as 25,000 plants in its drive this week. He said the integrated biogas model launched at the university campus will benefit the industry and people by providing an alternate energy source.
Dr Niaz said arid areas in the country were ideal for plantation. He stressed the need to frame a comprehensive plan to end deforestation in the country.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 18th, 2013.