Spring tree plantation drive starts at PU

PESHAWAR: Spring tree plantation drive kicked off at Azakhel Botanical Garden University of Peshawar on Thursday, it would continue till the end of this month in which around 10,000 plants would be planted by students, faculty and support staff at the garden.

Acting Vice Chancellor University of Peshawar Prof. Dr. Qibla Ayaz formally inaugurated the drive by planting an olive specie at the garden.

Addressing the students on the occasion Prof. Dr. Qibla Ayaz said, Azakhel Garden is the biggest botanical garden in Pakistan which offers recreation, research and conservation facility of endangered plant species at one venue.

The environment over here is conducive for study and student's researchers of BS Botany and M. Phil, PhD must take full advantage of it. He said our agricultural products including ornamental plants are the best among many countries, but the shortcoming is that we have not been able to utilize its export potential as yet. Through hands on experience and research facility in the garden students must find ways of making our products exportable.

He advised every student to plant two plant species and take care of them for their period of stay at the University.

A biodiversity conservation society was launched on the day, which will have the exclusive responsibility of raring endangered plant species.

Director Azakhel Botanical Garden Prof. Dr. Abdur Rasheed later presented the Garden`s souvenir to the visiting guests. Director Admission Prof. Dr. Hizbullah and students of the University attended the function. (APP)