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DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Apr 24 (APP):Gomal Medical College (GMC) has taken a significant step toward environmental conservation by establishing its first institutional urban forest here.
The initiative is a joint effort between the Department of Community Medicine at Gomal Medical College and environmental organization’ Save Earth Shajar Dost’, which was inaugurated by the Dean and Chief Executive of the college, Professor Dr. Naseem Saba Mehsud, who formally cut the ribbon and planted a tree.
Chairperson of the Community Medicine Department, Professor Dr. Nargis Noman, along with her team addressing the ceremony appreciated the efforts of the organization.
The participants were presented with commemorative souvenir caps by the organization.
The organization’s coordinator, Aamir Sohail Sadozai, assured full support to the college.
In the first phase of the Urban Forest project, various types of plants were planted over approximately 4.5 kanals of land.
The event was attended by faculty members from various departments, students, representatives from WWFP Recharge Pakistan, and other guests.
The college staff, led by supervisor Kamran Khan Gandapur and guided technically by Shajar Dost’s Technical Director Azmat Kamal Khakwani, carried out land preparation and other related activities.
It is worth mentioning that last year, Gomal Medical College and Save Earth Shajar Dost signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under which the organization will assist in the development of an urban forest plantation on vacant land, and provide technical assistance for establishing an in-house nursery.
In connection with this collaboration, over 150 fruit-bearing trees were also planted on campus on the occasion of World Forest Day.
Experts note that urban forests play a vital role in combating environmental pollution, lowering temperatures, improving air quality, and promoting biodiversity. Environmental and academic experts have hailed the initiative as a positive step toward raising environmental awareness in the region.