960419

B'stan takes up Rs 588 m

afforestation project

QUETTA: The Balochistan government has undertaken Rs 588 million project in the province with World Bank assistance in the forestry sector. This was stated by Dr Zahoorul Haq, Chief Conservator of Forests, Balochistan, at an exclusive interview with PPI here on Friday.

He said that the project envisages afforestation and sand dunes estabilisation programme in Mekran, Ziarat and Hazarganzji areas.

He said, seven sub-projects have been undertaken under the project of them, five projects are under Forest Department, one each with P and D Department and EPA.

These projects were undertaken one and half years ago over an area of 1500 acres of land. He said, there is some delay in the execution of the project because World Bank was finalising consultancy. However, about 25 percent of the overall work has been completed.

He said world famous Juniper forests exist at two places in Balochistan, one in Zhob Division where these are spreading over an area of 200,000 acres. Similarly, in Kalat Division, these forest exist over 100,000 acres. The famous of them are at Harboi, a place some 20 kilometers east of Kalat town in central Balochistan. Dr Zahoor said that the rate of growth of trees in these areas is the lowest in the world, i.e. about one inch annually attaining one millimeter width in five years. Hence the trees in these areas are thousands of years old. "The juniper forests in Ziarat valley and at Harboi are our national asset which must be preserved," he said.

Replying to a question about disease to juniper trees in Ziarat valley, Dr Zahoor said that only a very small portion of five mile long and three mile wide has been affected by disease 'measletoe'. He said, a World Bank expert is due here shortly to look into the disease and its cure. Presently, either the affected part is cut or, if the disease is affecting the tree, the stem is cut.

When asked if there was any danger of extinction of trees due to its cutting, he said: "At present, there is very limited punishment for tree cutter. For cutting one tree, the punishment is one year rigorous imprisonment and Rs 5000 fine".

He said that during the forthcoming session of the Balochistan Assembly, a bill will be introduced in the house wherein it would be proposed to enhance the punishment and fine for such offence. He said that the draft bill has been prepared which is at present under study of the experts.

He said, sand dune stabilisation programme is being executed in collaboration with Karachi University, in Mekran Division. He said, under the project, a bush 'muskit' is being planted to help stabilise sand dunes in the area, such bushes are found in Sibi, Jacobabad and Lasbella area, he added.

Replying to another question, Dr Zahoor said that the Forest Department had fixed target of planting 5.5 million trees and sapling during the spring season in the province.

He said he was happy that the target has been achieved and the said trees have been planted.-PPI