High officials in a function have called for massive tree plantation to adapt to climate change, improve environment and create jobs to cut poverty.
They made the call at the concluding function of a fortnight-long 'Divisional Tree Fair -2022' held on the Zila School ground in the city on Sunday evening
The district administration and Social Forestry Division jointly organized the fair to create awareness among people on the enormous importance of tree plantation to adapt to adverse impacts of climate change and improve the environment.
Different government and non-governmental organisations, nursery owners and entrepreneurs had set up 60 stalls on the fairground displaying saplings of timber, fruit, medicinal and ornamental plants.
Newly appointed Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Md. Sabirul Islam attended the function and distributed prized among 27 stall owners as the chief guest.
With Deputy Commissioner Md. Asib Ahsan in the chair, Deputy Inspector General of Rangpur Range Police Mohd Abdul Alim Mahmud, Rangpur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Nure Alam Mina, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Md. Golam Rabbani, Divisional Forest Officer Md. Matlubar Rahman Rangpur Range Officer Md. Mossarraf Hossain, Secretary of City Awami League Tushar Kanti Mandal addressed the function as special guests.
Officials and employees of the divisional, district and police administrations, Department of Agricultural Extension, Department of Forest, nursery owners, students, teachers, farmers and common people were present.
The speakers discussed the necessity of tree plantation, its economic and nutritional benefits and significance in building a green nature to cope with adverse impacts of climate change and keep the planet livable for next generations.
The chief guest stressed on increasing forest area through massive tree plantation to reduce environmental degradation and discussed economic and nutritional aspects of wood, fruit and medicinal and ornamental trees.
"Everyone should plant tree saplings to improve the environment, build a green nature, meet nourishment and get economic benefits to achieve the sustainable development goals for further accelerating national advancement," he said.