A collaborative plantation drive was successfully held on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Sherwan Park, Shimla Hills. The event was organized by the Environmental Protection Society (EPS) in partnership with the Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Abbottabad Campus, and Water and Sanitation Services Company (WSSC) Abbottabad.
The initiative aimed to promote ecological sustainability, enhance urban green cover, and raise awareness about environmental conservation among the local community.
The event drew active involvement from a diverse group of participants. Faculty members from CUI, including Dr. Muhammad Shahzad (EPS Incharge), Dr. Arshad Mehmood Abbasi, and Dr. Tahir Hayat, led the activity alongside undergraduate and graduate students from the Department of Environmental Sciences. The plantation drive was carried out under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Bilal, Head of the Department of Environmental Sciences, CUI. WSSC Abbottabad played a crucial role in providing logistical support and facilitating smooth execution of the drive.
Participants planted numerous native and fruit-bearing saplings across the park, actively engaging in fieldwork and reinforcing the significance of community-led environmental action. The effort contributes to ongoing efforts to combat deforestation, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance biodiversity.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Muhammad Bilal highlighted the broader impact of such efforts, stating: “Planting a tree is not just an act of conservation; it is an investment in hope for future generations.” The event concluded on a high note, with volunteers pledging to continue their commitment to green initiatives and environmental responsibility.