Karachi’s Red Line project & Trees Tsunami Programme approved

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council ECNEC has approved the next phase of 10 Billion Trees Tsunami Programme and BRT Red Line project for Karachi, along with various other projects worth Rs 375 billion.

During a meeting, chaired by Dr Hafeez Shaikh, the committee agreed to allocate Rs125.184bn for the 10 Billion Tree Tsunami Programme Phase-1, in which more than three billion saplings, out of which 10 per cent would be fruit trees, will be planted across the country.

The government aims to promote eco-tourism, conserve and develop forests, increase rangelands and pastures, create income opportunities for local people, maintain and develop national wildlife parks etc, the adviser explained.

Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh also approved National Programme for Improvement of Watercourse in Pakistan Phase-II.

Which is to be undertaken in all federating units at a cost of Rs154.542 billion for capacity building of 76,359 Water User Associations for participatory irrigation management, improvement of 59,427 watercourses across the country and construction of 16,932 water storage tanks and ponds at the farm level.

It was also agreed that Rs 78 bn will be allocated to the construction of the BRT Red Line Project in Karachi “with a view to enhance the quality of public transport, shift motor vehicle users to public transport and reduce traffic congestion in the city”.