Project X Launches in Chitral to Reach 10,000 Students with Environmental Awareness

The Hindukush Environmental Protection Alliance has formally launched its flagship project, “Project X,” at Government Primary School Jughur to raise awareness about environmental protection, the sustainable use of natural resources and climate change. The project aims to provide environmental awareness education to at least 10,000 students across Chitral.

Addressing the launch ceremony, the alliance’s president, Sarwar Kamal, said Project X was a unique community-based programme launched without financial assistance from any government or non-governmental organisation. The campaign will reach educational institutions in Chitral town as well as remote areas, and will inform students about environmental problems and practical ways to address them.

He said Chitral was exceptionally important for its natural beauty, biodiversity and rare wildlife, but that deforestation and the destruction of natural habitats were creating serious threats to the environment and wildlife. He said the younger generation would have to play its part in protecting natural resources and safeguard valuable forests by adopting alternative sources of fuel.

The ceremony’s chief guest, retired District Forest Officer Imtiaz Hussain of the Wildlife Department, said in his address that Chitral’s natural heritage was a great blessing and that people needed to demonstrate individual and collective responsibility to protect it. Speaking about the importance of deodar, he said the tree grows very slowly in a dry temperate climate and takes several decades to reach full size, making protection of this valuable natural asset essential.

He said wildlife conservation could also play an important role in promoting tourism and strengthening the national economy, alongside its environmental benefits. He urged students to keep their surroundings clean, dispose of rubbish in appropriate places and help protect birds and other wildlife.

A senior teacher at the school said that, following the students’ ongoing guidance and counselling, several children had voluntarily handed their slingshots over to the school administration. He said this reflected growing awareness and positive attitudes among the children toward protecting birds and small wild animals.

At the end of the ceremony, Imtiaz Hussain presented a certificate of appreciation to the administration of Government Primary School Jughur for supporting the environmental awareness programme. Prizes were also distributed among students who delivered speeches on environmental topics.

According to the Hindukush Environmental Protection Alliance, Project X aims to make educational institutions centres for promoting environmental awareness and to involve the younger generation in practical efforts to protect the natural environment.

Source: Original Urdu report on Chitral Express.