GILGIT, Feb 2: Northern Areas Forest Department will plant over 4.44 million saplings in all the five districts under its jurisdiction during the forthcoming spring plantation drive in 2002, forest officials said.

The regional forest departments— in collaboration with the AKRSP, FCNA and other departments — would plant 1.050 million saplings in Gilgit District, 0.887 million in Ghizer District, 0.400 million in Diamer, 1.665 million in Skardu and 0.450 million in Gangche District during the drive, an official said.

Northern Areas (NAs) Chief Secretary Fazal Durrani, at a meeting of the forest department here on Tuesday, asked the officials concerned to chalk out a comprehensive plan for the plantation and protection of saplings.

He called upon the people, particularly, students to take part in the plantation campaign.

Mr Durrani assured the locals of provision of plants to remote and hilly areas and directed the district administrations and regional forest departments to implement forest protection laws strictly in their respective areas.

He also warned the people to stop their stray animals from causing damages to saplings in various areas.

NAs forest secretary Sanaullah briefed the participants on the awareness-raising activities for the masses about the forest conservation, promotion and protection. He said conservation committees had already been formed at district and village levels with the support of NGOs.

BUS TERMINALS: The shopkeepers and passengers in Gilgit have opposed the shifting of bus terminals.

They said the decision on the part of Gilgit municipal authorities would increase their financial losses. New bus stand had been set up far from the city at a deserted location where they had to hire Suzuki vans paying additional Rs for goods transportation, they said.

Some passengers from Hunza said there was no arrangement of water, sanitation, hotels and security at the new bus stand.

PASSENGER KILLED: A passenger Alam Khan, 65, of Danyore killed on Thursday on University Road when a speedy wagon coming from Nomal hit a Suzuki van No (IDT 6687). At least five passengers were seriously injured, police said.