According to 1998 census, Peshawar is the highest populated district of Khyber Pukhtunkhwa. It is also an industrial hub of the province. These industries and millions of vehicles used by the locals’ emit toxic gases that have a negative impact on the environment. A steep loss in the number of trees and plants is also noticed in Peshawar and its peripheries due to new roads and many other factors. To attain the environmental equilibrium, a highly proactive plantation campaign is needed; in which communities, students, businessmen and locals are mobilized and encouraged to actively participate. This will be a self-sustained activity for the period of five years managed by “Sheen Pekhawar Network” which is a consortium of civil society organizations, academic institutions, media, local community, Forest Department etc. Lead Organizations include: REDA, ADFIRE, CAUSE, GEPS (Green Environmental Protection Society)
Vision:
To develop Peshawar as an environment friendly city, with active involvement of Public sector, CSOs and community.
Objectives
- To plant 100,000 saplings of suitable species in District Peshawar and FATA through plantation campaign “Sheen Pekhawar” within Five years, starting March 2012.
- Yearly Awareness campaigns regarding environmental issues; causes, effects and required actions.
Situation Analysis
Peshawar has 92 union councils with an estimated population of 2,038,629 (1998 Census). Hayatabad, one of the urban areas, has the major population and is identified with higher need for plantation. Hayatabad is a planned housing society and thus has many small parks, green belts and road side areas that can be used to plant new trees.
Chamkani union council comprises of two villages. It is a rural area where locals are mostly farmers by profession and are ready to actively participate in plantation campaign and have required land as well.
Sheen Pekhawar Network
Sheen Pekhawar Network will form CBOs in the targeted areas to
- Take part in awareness campaigns by organizing walks, community get together, banners, corner meetings etc.
- Take part in plantation campaign through school children, youth and residents as volunteers.
- To look after the saplings for initial two years (irrigation, saving from cattle) etc
Awareness Campaign
Awareness Campaigns will start from 25th January, 2012 till 15th February, 2012. Banners, boards and holdings with Awareness Messages will be placed in different strategic locations. Volunteers will be identified and appointed in all sectors of Hayatabad and every Mohallah of Chamkani. Students, businessmen and residents will be contacted and different activities will be organized. Major activities will include but not limited to;
- Community get together
- Corner Meetings
- Community Walks
Different aspects of plantation including its need, impact on environment, benefits and safe keeping will be discussed in these meetings. Responsibilities will be allocated among members for the smooth running and successful completion of the program.
Plantation Campaign
Plantation Campaign will start from 16th February, 2012 till 30th March, 2012.
Proposed Species:
| Specie | Surviving % |
| Poplar | 82.33% |
| Alianthus | 70.26% |
| Robinia | 74.10% |
| Phulai | 56.91% |
| Bakain | 69.87% |
| Kikar | 49.64% |
| Sheesham | 76.17% |
| Sumbal | 64.16% |
| Iple Iple | 60.71% |
| Toot | 77.49% |
| Mulbary | 60.50% |
| Sour Orange | 80.00% |
Table 1 Species and Surviving %. (Source: PTA, 2008)
Costing:
Saplings: 100,000 x Rs. 10 = Rs.10, 00,000
Transportation: Rs. 20,000
Tools for planting sapling: Rs. 10,000
Banners: 20 banners x Rs. 1000 = Rs. 20,000
