KARACHI: Caretaker Sindh government has set a target of planting over 11 million (mn) saplings and trees across the province this monsoon. Sindh Caretaker Chief Minister (CM), Fazal-ur-Rehman while addressing monsoon plantation event at Narayan Jagannath Vaidya (NJV) High School said that large scale afforestation was the best way to make Sindh clean, green and healthy. During his address at NJV school, the caretaker CM stressed on the importance of initiatives directed at planting indigeneous trees across Sindh. He said that afforestation was the need of the hour and the province needed more tree cover to combat and avert severe heat waves. The CM also advised the district administration, local government administration, education, health, irrigation, works and services, police and other departments to undertake tree planting in their respective premises. Minister of Forests and Wildlife, Khair Muhammad Junejo also conveyed a message to people of Sindh to plant more and more trees to ameliorate the environment of province On the occasion, additional chief secretary of the Forest and Wildlife Department briefed the caretaker CM about the plantation drive. He said that forest department was organising and leading this drive with zeal and an independent social forestry wing had been established in this connection. He said that the wing would be headed by an independent chief conservator of forests. He said that restructuring of Sindh Forest Department was underway. Forest and Wildlife Department Additional CS told the CM that this new plantation drive under which 11 mn saplings will be planted across the province was more likely to be successful compared to previously initiated plantation campaigns. During his address at the NJV plantation drive, CM Fazal-ur-Rehman also appreciated Akhuwat Foundation for working diligently with Sindh government and Sindh Education Foundation (SEF) to provide quality education to underprivileged masses. The caretaker CM while promising to extend his full support to NJV said that he wanted to see NJV school prosper in the upcoming years. He also praised current facilities at school. Later, the CM took a round of NJV school and appreciated the change in outlook of institution. He expressed his satisfaction over the facilities in school. Visit to SIUT Later on Tuesday, Sindh Caretaker CM Fazal-ur-Rehman also visited the Sindh Institute of Urology Transplant (SIUT) which is functioning in the partnership of Sindh government. While talking to media during his visit, the caretaker CM said that SIUT had been fulfilling its commitment by providing free of cost treatment to patients. He praised the institute and said that the treatment being provided to patients exceeded international standards. “Credit goes to Dr Adib Rizvi, who made SIUT a genuine health centre,” he said while appreciating the services of SIUT Director Dr Adib. The caretaker CM visited different wards of SIUT and inquired about health of patients. “Patients not only from rural and urban areas of Sindh, but from other provinces and even other countries are visiting SIUT for medical treatment,” said the CM. Caretaker Health Minister Dr Sadia Rizvi, Secretary Health and other relevant officials also accompanied the CM on his visit to SIUT. CM reviews progress of mega projects Undertaking another visit, on Tuesday, to review progress of ongoing mega projects under Karachi Package, Sindh caretaker CM directed Project Director to start beautification of submarine underpass and Sunset-Gizri Boulevard flyover. He also directed him to complete Karachi Zoological Garden renovation work. The beautification work of these projects was pending from sometime. Reviewing 31 mega projects he said that after completion, projects should be maintained properly. He directed Planning and Development Chairman Muhammad Waseem to work out a plan for maintenance and repair of projects completed in city recently. Published in Daily Times, July 18th 2018.