KABUL (SW): Experts believe that if the current rate of environmental abuse continues, major cities in Afghanistan might run out of sufficient oxygen in coming four years.
The Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MoRRD) commemorated the Earth Day here on Saturday to raise awareness in this regard. Officials of the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) noted if the current rate of the environment and deforestation continued, major cities in the country will run out of sufficient oxygen within four years.
Ghulam Mohammad Malikyar, deputy director at the NEPA, said more than 70 per cent of greenery is completely damaged in the cities due to construction of buildings for housing and business. “We have taken measures to avoid further environmental degradation”, informed Malikyar.
Nasir Ahmad Durrani, the Minister of the MoRRD, stressed protection of the environment is not only the duty of the government, but is actually a civic obligation of all the citizens. He urged people to protect clean and green environment.
In the gathering, authorities from the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, also talked about their specific plans for the protection of forests, and creating green zones in the country. They added that the Ministry is aiming to dedicate 10 thousand acres of land to green parks in the capital Kabul besides expanding the same to provinces as well.
An exhibition highlighting environment protection was also launched at the vicinity of Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development on Saturday.
ENDS