Spring is more than a season—it is a chance to restore Sindh’s forests, rivers, deserts, and communities
By Ramesh Raja
Spring is upon us; a season of life, growth and hope. Yet, Sindh, once rich in riverine and desert forests, now suffers from scorching heatwaves, floods, soil erosion and environmental collapse. Over the past two centuries, Sindh has lost most of its forests, and since 1947, nearly 80% of its trees have vanished, with most destruction occurring in the last 30 years. Today, commercially viable forests cover only 2% of Sindh’s land.
The Urgent Need for Plantation
Deforestation has increased local temperatures by up to 4.5°C, leading to severe heatwaves. During the 2024 heatwave, thousands were hospitalized, many animals died, and millions faced food shortages. Rural communities dependent on forests are among the hardest hit. Plantation is no longer optional—it is essential for climate stability, food security, disaster prevention, and the well-being of all Sindh’s people.
The Crime Against Trees
Illegal logging is rampant. Trucks loaded with neem, babul, and other timber leave rural Sindh daily, paying thousands of rupees in bribes. Environmentalists report that officials, politicians, landlords, police, and bureaucrats are complicit, while poor laborers cut trees for meager wages. This unprecedented destruction has left riverbanks bare, highways barren, and once-green areas like Makli and Thatta completely stripped of trees.
Historically, forests were used during the British era for railways, military cantonments, and canals. Post-independence, the construction of Sukkur, Guddu, and Kotri barrages disrupted natural flooding and forest regeneration. Policies like the 2005 Andal Agroforestry Policy, intended for afforestation, instead enabled forest land occupation and large-scale tree felling.
Benefits of Plantation
* Environmental: Trees absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, reduce heat, and prevent soil erosion.
* Disaster Prevention: Strengthen riverbanks and canals, reduce floods, and mitigate heatwaves.
* Economic: Provide timber, fruits, fodder, and medicinal plants sustainably.
* Social & Health: Reduce stress, provide recreation, and support local communities.
* Aesthetic & Urban: Beautify highways, streets, and cities while cooling urban heat islands.
Where and How to Plant
* Riverbanks & canal banks: Thousands of kilometers available to prevent breaches.
* Highways & roadsides: Plant trees to beautify and shade roads.
* Urban areas & schools: Parks and streets can be greened to reduce pollution and heat.
* Desert and arid zones: Drought-tolerant indigenous trees to combat desertification.
Who Can Plant
* Government Departments: Forest Department, Environment Protection, Irrigation & Drainage, Highways, NHA, PDMA, WAPDA.
* NGOs: WWF-Pakistan, Indus Earth Trust, Roots for Equity, Green Pakistan Initiative, IUCN Pakistan.
* International Organizations: FAO, UNEP, REDD+, World Bank, Asian Development Bank.
* Communities & Corporate Sector: Schools, universities, local communities, CSR programs.
International Standards & Ratios
* Global standard: At least 30% of land should be under forest cover.
* Arid/semi-arid areas: 10–20% cover provides critical ecological benefits.
* Urban green cover: 20–30% recommended.
* Riverbanks & canals: Trees along 30–50 meters on each side.
Indigenous Trees for Sindh
* Neem, Babul, Ber, Khejri, Tamarind, Pipal, Miswak (Salvadora persica)
* Adapted to local climate, drought-resistant, support wildlife, strengthen riverbanks, and provide fruits, timber, and fodder sustainably.
Call to Action
The Chief Minister and government authorities must set clear plantation targets this spring, mobilize departments, enforce laws, and coordinate with NGOs and international organizations. The public must participate—plant trees, attend rallies and seminars, and hold officials accountable.
Spring is more than a season—it is a chance to restore Sindh’s forests, rivers, deserts, and communities. Every tree planted strengthens our land, protects our people, and secures a greener future. Plant, protect, and preserve—Sindh’s survival depends on it.
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The author of this article, Engr. Ramesh Raja, is a Civil Engineer, visionary planner, PMP certified and literary enthusiast with a passion for art and recreation. He can be reached at engineer.raja@gmail.com
