Daily Times

Every 14th August, we celebrate our Independence Day with zeal and fervor. Ever since General Zia ul Haq introduced the concept of observing this day with flags, buntings and ribbons, the fad has become popular. Roadside kiosks spring up a fortnight earlier, selling flags, coat lapel pins, hats and masks in Pakistan flag colours. Whatever Zia’s rationale may have been, the concept has caught on and adds to the festivities of Independence Day celebrations.

The period of 14th August coincides with the Monsoon rains, which is very suitable for tree plantation. Prime Minister Imran Khan has declared that the biggest charitable act a person can do now, when the whole world is ravaged by the effects of climate change, is to plant a tree. The Prime Minister and Governors of each province participated in special ceremonies to launch the tree plantation drive. Imran Khan’s campaign is labelled as the “Ten Billion Trees’ Tsunami”, which is being billed as the biggest tree plantation drive undertaken by the government, which aimed to plant 3.5 million saplings across the country in a day.

While the premier urged the nation that it should not leave any space empty without trees there; this scribe has a humble suggestion to use the opportunity to make Pakistan greener. The kiosks that sell Pakistan flags, should also provide the people with saplings so that they may plant them at their homes to make our country greener. Already tobacco companies, in a bid to atone for the harm they are doing by manufacturing and selling cigarettes, have set up green nurseries which provide saplings round the year. In a bid to help the environment as well as contribute to “make Pakistan greener” campaign, they should provide the Pakistan flags vendors with tree saplings. Perhaps the vendors can sell the saplings at a nominal price so that they can eke a living. The campaign should have sponsorship at the federal and provincial government level and publicized so that the nation develops a green thumb.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has declared that the biggest charitable act a person can do now, when the whole world is ravaged by the effects of climate change, is to plant a tree

The importance of planting trees cannot to be underscored more. In one year, an acre of mature trees absorb the same amount of Carbon Dioxide when you drive your car for 26,000 kilometers. In one year, an acre of mature trees can provide enough oxygen for 18 persons. Trees absorb odors and pollutant gases (nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and ozone) and filter particulates out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark. Trees cool the area by up to ten degrees Celsius by shading our homes and streets.

Most newly planted trees need only 25 liters of water a week. As trees grow, they increase atmospheric moisture. Trees reduce runoff by breaking rainfall thus allowing the water to flow down the trunk and into the earth below the tree. On hillsides or stream slopes, trees slow runoff and hold the soil in place. In areas, where Ozone layer is depleted, skin cancer can be reduced because trees reduce ultra violet B exposure by about 50 percent. Trees placed strategically around a single family home can cut summer air conditioning needs by up to 50 percent, bringing down our energy consumption. Trees clean the soil as well as are effective for flood control as they slow the storm water runoff. Besides providing shade, they enable the temperatures to cool and fruit trees are not only a source of nutrition but can also provide livelihood by selling the fruit. Tree plantation provides an opportunity for community involvement and empowerment. A

The information I have enlisted above, is perhaps common knowledge but as the campaign of selling flags was started, the need of the hour is to propagate a fresh campaign with the slogan “Towards a Greener Pakistan”. When the fad catches on, the poor vendors, who have to purchase the flags if they take cognizance of the fact that saplings can be a source of income, will grow them at home and earn revenue. Like on Valentine’s Day, at every corner, children sell roses and every Independence Day they sell flags. Once the day is over, we find our national flag being desecrated on roadsides but tree saplings, once planted, will grow and provide us with benefits.

The Tree Plantation Campaigns by the PM and Governors of Provinces appear to be a photo-op event and are forgotten. If Pakistan is to be turned green, it should be beyond rhetoric and publicity campaigns. If there is sincerity in the purpose and if each household plants just one tree, we will take a giant step towards a greener Pakistan. If Zia ul Haq’s Pakistan flags have reached every corner on Independence Day, let Imran Khan’s saplings adorn every kiosk and every traffic signal in the fortnight preceding the Independence Day then only we can claim to have turned Pakistan Green.

The writer is a retired Group Captain of PAF. He is a columnist, analyst and TV talk show host, who has authored six books on current affairs, including three on China