The AJK Minister for Finance Raja Nisar Ahmed Khan has said that preservation of Kashmir's forests is vital for economic growth of Pakistan and warned that forests have reduced over 12 percent area of state which were 42 percent on the time of independence.
"The forests are left on less than 12 percent total area of AJK compare with 42 percent in 1947. The AJK forests are jugular vein of Pakistan as all waters go to Pakistan from AJK" minister said while addressing gas cylinders and stoves distribution ceremony here organised by local NGO Balandi Welfare Organisation and Educational Society.
The 225 LPG filled cylinders and stoves were distributed among the villagers as alternate fuel resource for preservation of forests.
The Federal Ministry of Environment's National Environment Action Support Programme (NEASP) provided Rs 0.45 millions for the project.
Minister finance observed that there would have been no need to up rise Mangla Dam if forests had preserved.
"Forests could have been saved by providing people the alternate fuel resources in past and now 62 billions could have been saved if dam would not have been filled with silt following razing of state forests".
"I had once asked the top officials of federal government in ECNEC meeting that why you (federal government) do not spent millions for the saving of future instead of billions to cop with present.
He elaborated that AJK had asked several times to federal government for provision of substitute fuel resources for protection of state's ancient forests which are serving as catchments of Pakistan.
He urged the villagers to protect forests in the better interests of future generation and arrest the outsiders involved forest cutting.
He urged for formation of local forest committees for protection of forests and assured full co-operation to supplement the efforts carried our for protection of environment and forests.
Local member Legislative Assembly Mir Ali Akbar stressed the need for provision of alternate energy resources for protection of forests and urged set up of hydro electric power station along streams for the local power generation to cater the local power needs.
He said cutting of tree be declared murder.
Director Environment Protection Agency (EPA) AJK Syed Asif Hussian said a drop of rain falling on the soil of AJK plays an important role in the economy of Pakistan.
He said we have to save forests to save Pakistan.
He urged the federal government to come forwards with generous heart to fund the projects planned for the protection of forests and environment.
Dr Azhar Manzoor of Ministry of Environment, Zaheer Gurdazi, director CISP programme, Javeed Ahmed president Balandi Welfare Organisation and Educational Society Rajkot and others addressed the ceremony.
The minister was briefed about the progress of NGO in preserving forests and environment.