Clean water, environment linked to massive forestation

LAHORE: Punjab University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood has said that the massive forestation is the need of the hour in the region for clean water, pleasant environment and to deal with the challenges faced by climate change.

He was addressing a seminar organised by Punjab University regarding World Water Day here Friday. Later, an awareness walk was held from the undergraduate block to the admin block ground. Dr Khalid Mahmood also started a tree plantation campaign in PU by planting saplings.

On this occasion, former Minister of Health Dr Saeed Elahi, MPA Zeb-un-Nisa, Nasir Bholoo, Convener Tree Plantation Campaign / Dean Faculty of Geosciences Prof Dr Sajid Rashid Ahmed, heads of departments, faculty members, administrative officers, employees and students were present. In his address, VC said that in light of the environment-friendly policies and instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, environment week has been observed in various departments of Punjab University. He said that the responsibility of conducting awareness programmes for creating a pleasant environment and a civilised society rests on the universities.

He said that an attempt was made to send a message to the world through the programme organised by the PU regarding the importance of clean water and trees. He said that the temperature of PU remains 2 degrees lower due to trees and greenery. Dr Saeed Elahi said that contaminated water causes various diseases. He said that more than three billion people in the world are deprived of clean water. He said that fortunately Pakistan is among the countries whose underground water is clean and no filter is needed. He said that we have to play a role in providing a pleasant environment to our future generations. Prof Dr Sajid Rashid Ahmed said that the world’s system cannot run without water. He said that the first water testing lab has been set up at CEES with the approval of regulators in which water samples will be tested for free. He said that PU was moving forward with the slogan ‘One Student One Tree’. He said that free plants would be provided to all the departments of PU so that every street, neighborhood and house can grow greens.

PU student dies of protracted illness

Punjab University College of Earth & Environmental Sciences’ 2nd semester student Sehat Khan, who was suffering from hepatitis A, C, cancer, for the past few years, died here Thursday night.

According to a PU spokesperson, Sehat Khan belonged to Loralai, Balochistan. Three days ago, he was admitted to a private hospital, then he was shifted to Sheikh Zayed Hospital. However, he could not survive.PU VC Dr Khalid Mahmood has expressed deep grief over the death of the student. On the VC’s instructions, his body was taken to his native village in the PU ambulance.