The lush green valleys of Azad Jammu and Kashmir had always been a source of attraction for the nature lovers. Almighty has given this place some majestic effects for the coolness of eyes and heart of everyone. The beauty of AJK is indescribable as it reminds us of a place – lush and vibrantly green with velvet green plateaus. Likewise other parts of the country, spring tree plantation drive 2022 is being inaugurated in AJK – this year at least 98.76 million saplings are targeted to be planted on an area of 18,000 acres of land throughout AJK during the campaign.
Trees, needless to say, are the best defence against environmental pollution and effects of global warming that our country has been experiencing during the last many years. They not only absorb carbon and generate oxygen but also regulate precipitation, help arrest desertification, preserve ecosystems, and decrease the impact of floods that have become a regular occurrence. AJK is prone to deadly floods, landslides and environmental degradation due to climate change. Current and future projections made by the concerned departments give evidence of the rapid climate changes happening in the area. The average maximum temperature has risen, causing extreme weather events such as flash floods, cloud bursts and delay in normal rains. Climate change has adversely impacted glaciers and biodiversity in the region. Urbanisation has also led to deforestation at a huge level due to inadequacy of planning and building control departments.
Sadly, instead of growing more trees the existing forests have been mercilessly destroyed. Trees are being cut down indiscriminately for money by the mafia. Almost every day we go through many pictures and videos on social media in which we see the brutal murder of trees. In most of the valleys people cut down trees to meet their needs – an average household in AJK consumes three trees for maintenance such as fixing roofs and for fuel. Development and commercial activities for a growing population such as construction of roads and mining for minerals is also major reason of deforestation in AJK.
Modern research says that a big tree provides oxygen that is sufficient for thirty-six children. It is an admitted fact that greenery has a soothing effect on man’s psychology. It helps in nurturing the spiritual growth of an individual and saves him from depression, loneliness and embarrassment by developing positive feelings in him like love, loyalty, beneficence, happiness and satisfaction. We should pay special attention to tree plantation because only through forests we can bring moderation to the hot climate.
Every year millions of rupees are spent on the tree plantation campaign but the desired results are not achieved. One of the main reasons is that there is no proper monitoring system of protecting and nourishing the plants. There is a need to establish dedicated centers to monitor the impacts of the changing climate and to develop and implement new policies to save the ecosystem of the region. Last but not the least, an awareness campaign regarding importance of trees is need of hour to address deforestation, as the authorities seemed to be failed in preventing undue cutting of trees. AJK forest department should make fool proof arrangements to safeguard forests.
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