PESHAWAR — Over the past eight years, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has invested a remarkable Rs203.2bn in 413 eco-friendly projects, aimed at tackling pollution and improving the environment across six key sectors.
These initiatives reflect a growing global trend toward sustainability and environmental responsibility. Among the most ambitious efforts is the Billion Tree Tsunami Project, which has gained international attention. This project, along with the planting of fruit-bearing trees and other clean energy initiatives, forms the backbone of KP’s strategy to curb emissions and promote eco-friendly growth.
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According to a report from KP Environmental Protection Agency, the Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organization (PEDO) has taken the lead in this shift, committing Rs91.8bn to 68 projects focused on producing affordable, eco-friendly electricity.
The KP Forest Department has also made major strides, investing Rs14.4bn in 139 projects that include the Billion Tree and Ten Billion Tree Tsunami campaigns. It has also converted two traditional brick kilns in Peshawar to Zigzag technology, which drastically reduces pollution. In another green move, the Agriculture Department has planted 105,989 trees on 2,850 acres, including wild olive trees capable of absorbing significant amounts of carbon dioxide. The department plans to further expand these eco-friendly projects by planting 300,000 more olive trees next year.
Efforts to improve water management have not lagged. The Irrigation Department has allocated Rs29.3bn to 39 projects, successfully irrigating 377,450 acres of land.
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With long-term goals in mind, the department aims to expand this figure to 582,880 acres over the next five years. Meanwhile, Rs6.7bn has been channeled into 13 projects focused on drinking water, though experts say more needs to be done to meet the growing demands of KP’s population.
At the local level, the government has invested Rs21.3bn in eight key eco-friendly projects, including the development of the Faqir Kalay Sewage Treatment Plant and the restoration of Shahi Katha in Peshawar, both aimed at reducing harmful emissions and improving public health.
These eco-friendly projects underscore KP’s commitment to sustainability, positioning the region as a leader in Pakistans environmental movement.
