PESHAWAR:In a concerted effort to strengthen wildlife conservation, promote sustainable forest management, and enhance the province’s green cover, a joint departmental team conducted an inspection of Khar Wildlife Pheasantry and adjacent land, along with several nurseries established under the Ten Billion Tree Plus (10-BTTP) initiative, in Bajaur district.
The joint visit was undertaken in pursuance of the decisions taken during a meeting held on October 2, 2026, under the chairmanship of the Secretary, Climate Change, Forestry, Environment and Wildlife Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The visit aimed to assess the existing situation at Khar Wildlife Pheasantry, examine the adjoining land, and explore a mutually acceptable arrangement that would serve departmental interests while strengthening wildlife protection and forest conservation.
The inspection team comprised the Conservator of Forests, Central Forest Circle, Peshawar; the Conservator of Wildlife, Malakand; Divisional Forest Officer Bajaur, Mr. Muhammad Rashid; and the relevant wildlife officers of Bajaur. The team jointly reviewed the site conditions and discussed the need for effective coordination between the Forest and Wildlife departments to ensure the optimal use of available resources and the sustainable management of departmental assets.
During the visit, Divisional Forest Officer Bajaur, Muhammad Rashid, briefed the Conservator of Forests, Peshawar Region, on the departmental nurseries established under the 10-BTTP initiative, particularly the Upland Green Pakistan Project (UGPP). He highlighted the scale of nursery development, the availability of diverse plant species, and the contribution of these facilities towards meeting plantation requirements and promoting environmental sustainability in the region.
The team inspected four departmental nurseries, reflecting the department’s continued efforts to produce quality planting stock for forest restoration, landscape improvement, fruit cultivation, and environmental rehabilitation. The tube nursery at Jar, spread over 0.2 hectares, contains approximately 247,000 plants, while the bare-rooted nursery at Shawary, covering one hectare, has a stock of around 123,500 plants. The ornamental nursery at Haji Lawang has produced approximately 45,000 plants, while its fruit nursery contains around 10,000 plants. Collectively, these facilities represent a substantial nursery stock of approximately 425,500 plants, underscoring the importance of systematic nursery management in advancing the province’s afforestation and greening objectives.
The nurseries feature a diverse range of forest, fruit-bearing and ornamental species, including Phulai, Shisham, Chir, Ghaz, Olive, Eucalyptus, Poplar, Willow, Robinia, Mulberry, Bakain, Ailanthus, Pomegranate, Guava, Plum, Apple, Lemon, Oleander, Arjun, Gardenia, Motia, Roses, Hibiscus, Duranta and Ligustrum. This diversity provides valuable planting material for different ecological and landscaping needs, while fruit-bearing species offer opportunities to support local livelihoods and encourage the development of productive green spaces.
The inspection also highlighted the significance of maintaining healthy nursery stock, improving plant quality, ensuring appropriate watering and maintenance practices, and adopting effective pest and disease management measures.
The timely availability of robust, locally suitable planting material is essential to achieving successful plantation outcomes, improving seedling survival, and ensuring that public investment in forestry and environmental initiatives delivers lasting benefits.
Necessary instructions were issued to the concerned field staff to further improve nursery management, maintain proper standards of plant care, strengthen monitoring, and ensure the effective upkeep of the facilities.
The officers were also advised to continue working in close coordination to enhance operational efficiency and achieve the intended objectives of the ongoing departmental initiatives.
The visit reaffirmed the department’s commitment to protecting wildlife habitats, strengthening institutional coordination, and expanding green infrastructure across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
From nurturing a single seedling to safeguarding an entire wildlife habitat, every conservation effort contributes to a healthier environment, a more resilient ecosystem, and a greener legacy for future generations.