PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has approved plans to establish forests on land vacated by Afghan refugees as part of efforts to expand the province’s green cover and address environmental challenges.
Under a land rehabilitation project, the government plans to acquire land vacated by Afghan refugees in Dargai and Garhi Chandan at an estimated cost of Rs1.4 billion and develop forests on the sites.
Rs200 million has been allocated for the project during the current financial year.
The initiative is aimed at reducing environmental pollution, increasing forest cover, improving forest management through modern techniques and mitigating the effects of climate change.
The project is part of the 10 Billion Tree Upscaling Green Pakistan Programme. Its overall estimated cost stands at Rs12.616 billion, with Rs1.009 billion allocated for the current financial year.
The provincial government also plans to promote plantation in barren and dry areas through solar-powered tube wells.
For urban environmental restoration and plantation activities in Peshawar, Rs192.02 million has been allocated.
The government has also planned to establish Forest Knowledge Parks in the southern districts of the province as part of its wider environmental initiatives.
Meanwhile, Rs20 million has been earmarked for the establishment and feasibility work of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Climate Change Authority.
The projects are intended to strengthen the province’s response to climate change while expanding plantation and improving the management of forest resources.
