The NWFP Minister for Environment and Forest, Wajid Ali Khan has said that the provincial government will install solar wood seasoning plants at two major timber markets of the Forest Development Corporation (FDC). The plants to be installed at Chakdara (Swat) and Goharabad (Havelian) would enhance the wood quality that would produce durable furniture.
The minister said this in a briefing of the FDC in Peshawar on Wednesday where the Secretary Environment, Hussain Zada Khan, Managing Director FDC, Dr Iqbal Sial, General Manager Finance, General Manager Operations and other concerned officials were present.
He directed the FDC authorities to design a comprehensive plan for enhancing forest-covered area to 25 percent as per international standard. He also ordered launching of infrastructure and other similar projects for the development of forest covered areas so as to improve people's living standard in these areas.
Khan further asked the FDC to launch a mega project for increasing forest-covered area in Swat valley that could conserve natural resources of the area and make the environment pollution free as well. He said that his government would evolve an effective strategy for giving maximum benefit to forest owners and forest connectionist in order to save forest from further destruction.
The MD, FDC informed the minister that the organisation earned Rs 766 million profit since its establishment. Out of this amount he said, 35 percent had been spent on raising nurseries and afforestation schemes, constructed more than 1000KM roads and 26 bridges in forest covered areas as part of its development schemes. He also said that the FDC had granted financial assistance of Rs 290 millions to the NWFP for making the environment pollution free.
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