FAISALABAD: The University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) held an awareness walk to
mark national tree plantation day aimed at creating the awareness among the people about the
blessings of trees.
The rally organised by the Department of Forestry UAF was led by Vice Chancellor Professor
Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan. The rally commenced from Admin Block was concluded at Faculty of
Agriculture.
The participants were carrying placards inscribed with slogans and#39;Plant the trees to save the Worldand#39;
and#39;planting one tree provides oxygen to 4 people dailyandquot; and and#39;curb deforestationand#39;. Dean Agriculture
Dr Riaz Ahmad Forestry Chairman Dr Tahir Siddiqi along with other notables also participated.
Talking to participants, the Vice Chancellor showed his concern that the forest net in the country
was only 2.5 percent compared to the international standards of 25 percent. The situation
provokes different challenges including climate changes, pollution, drought, heavy floods, and
new diseases outbreak. He stressed upon the need to take the tangible steps to curb the crisis with
enhanced awareness and collective efforts on the part of the all stakeholders. He said it is really
disturbing that instead of increment in our forest net, it is decreasing with each passing day.
He showed his concern that due to ever-increasing population; fertile agriculture land is being
covered into residential colonies which should be properly controlled with a manageable way.
He said that UAF had mapped out a plan to produce skilled manpower and provide training to
forestry practitioners. He added that trees are essential part of healthy environment for a better
life. The vice chancellor UAF and other members of walk also planted the trees in front of
Agriculture Faculty.