News Desk
Quetta: Chief Secretary Balochistan, Shakeel Qadir Khan, presided over a high-level meeting regarding the establishment of an urban forest, in which various proposed projects aimed at promoting urban greenery were reviewed in detail.
Addressing the meeting, the Chief Secretary stated that the government has announced a major Urban Forest Project on Sariab Road, spanning 63 acres of land. He said the purpose of this green initiative is to improve the urban ecological system and provide residents with accessible green spaces.
He added that the project includes planting thousands of trees, integrating natural vegetation with urban infrastructure, which will help reduce pollution and moderate temperatures during the summer season. The Chief Secretary emphasized that urban forests also positively impact carbon credits, as the increased number of trees absorbs carbon dioxide, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases.
He directed that trees should also be planted along the main road to enhance the overall environmental effect.
During the briefing, officials informed the meeting that the urban forest will be accompanied by the development of residential and commercial zones, including a hospital, school, parking facilities, and a mall, which will also serve as a source of revenue for the government.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary (Development) Zahid Saleem, Secretary Forests Abdul Fattah Bhangar, Secretary Urban Planning & Development Ishaq Jamali, Secretary Public Health Engineering Hashim Ghilzai, Secretary Environment Ali Akbar Baloch, Commissioner Quetta Shahzeb Kakar, and QDA Director General Aurangzeb Kasi.
