Rawalpindi (Digital Post) Dozens of trees planted under the plantation campaign in the Bhatta Ground area of Rawalpindi Cantonment Board have almost died and turned into dry wood, causing strong protest among local residents.

Local residents, while passing nearby, stop and express sorrow over the dried-up trees. They also strongly criticize the responsible staff of the Cantonment Board and term it a major failure against the plantation campaign.

Due to serious conditions faced by the city of Rawalpindi because of climate change, the Cantonment Board planted dozens of trees and other plants at Bhatta Ground. During the plantation campaign, a large amount of public money and government resources were also utilized. However, after planting the trees and plants, the current situation is that the majority of the larger trees have turned into pieces of dry wood.

Residents say that after the plantation campaign, proper care and maintenance were not carried out, due to which the expected benefits and results of the plantation drive could not be achieved. They claim that the money spent has almost gone to waste.

Sources claim that the concerned department of Rawalpindi Cantonment Board does not appear to be prioritizing efforts to make the entire Cantonment area green, improve the monitoring system, and strengthen checks and balances. Instead, other matters are being given preference.

Due to lack of field supervision and proper monitoring, subordinate staff allegedly act according to their own will. The protection of trees and plants planted under plantation and other projects was not ensured to the level required for them to develop roots and make the area green.

Meanwhile, residents have demanded from higher authorities that immediate care of the trees planted at Bhatta Ground should be ensured and responsible officials should be identified so that the expected benefits of the plantation campaign can be achieved.

Several calls were made to Rawalpindi Cantonment Board spokesperson Imran Ajeeb, but he did not answer the phone. If he or any other responsible official provides a statement, it will also be included in the news.