QUETTA, April 21 (APP): The Chief Minister, Nawab Sanaullah Khan Zehri has said that the government would plant 10 million saplings and plants during next five years and added that all necessary steps would be taken for preservation of wildlife including stern action against the elements involved in poaching of endangered species of wildlife.
He was addressing a seminar held in connection with preservation of forests and wildlife, organized by Southern Command and Forest and Wildlife Department, here on Thursday.
He said, "A healthy environment links with forests while wildlife is compulsory part of echo system of earth," adding that the government in collaboration with other stakeholders would launch campaigns for plantation of 10 million saplings and plants in all districts of Balochistan during next five years.
He said that his government would implement 'Green Pakistan' project of the Prime Minister, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif in Balochistan.
He said that Balochistan was rich in wildlife especially it had species of wildlife including Markhor, Hobara Bustard, Red-Legs Partridge, Deer and others.
He said that the government would take all necessary steps for preservation of wildlife and warned that the elements involved in poaching of endangered species of wildlife would face stern action and punishment.
He said that Balochistan has Juniper forests which needed special measures to save them from chopping.
"The deforestation of Juniper and other species of trees at government lands will not be tolerated," he said.
The Advisor to Chief Minister on Forests and Wildlife, Obaidullah Khan Babat said that strategy was being evolved for preservation of wildlife.
He said that adequate measures had been taken to control deforestation.
He said that the government was paying special attention towards plantation of new plants.
Home Minister Balochistan, Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, Inspector General, Frontier Corps Balochistan, Maj-General. Sher Afgun, parliamentarians and senior officials were present.