Tree plantation prog launched in Khulna

KHULNA, Sept 18 (BSS): Khulna District Administration with the support of Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) here on Wednesday formally launched programme of transplanting tree saplings in the city with the aims for safeguarding the city environment and biodiversity.

Under the Green Belt Programme with an aim for transplanting 1.6 million trees to build an environment-friendly green Khulna city, deputy commissioner Md Helal Hossain launched the programme early today adjacent to government officers dormitories besides K D Ghosh Road in the city.

The DC opened the programme through transplanting several tree sapling besides the road. He urged the city dwellers to extend their whole-hearted support to make the programme a success.

He said massive tree plantation can help reduce carbon emission to a substantial level and that is very important to protect ecological balance in the coastal belt. He said all quarters should take the responsibility of protecting the city and its adjacent areas from the adverse impact of climate change and massive plantation can be the vital means of attaining the cherished goal.

He urged plantation of at least three saplings including the fruit trees by each city dweller in all vacant places and other areas of all institutions to create a greenery atmosphere everywhere in the city.

Deputy Director of DAE Pankaz Kumar Mazumder, Additional Deputy Commissioner Md Yousuf Ali, Additional Deputy Commissioners Ziaur Rahman, golam Moinuddin Hassan, Swapon Ahmed Salehin, Iqbal Hossain, Director of Khulna Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Mofidul Islam Tutul, ex-President of Khulna Union of Journalists (KUJ) S M Zahid Hossain, ex-Deputy Director of BRDB Swapon Das, environmentalists advocate Tariqul Islam Tara, Bidhan Sarker and Humayun Ahmed were present, among others.