MINGORA: The local civil society activists on Tuesday demanded the plantation of trees under the KP billion tree tsunami programme on both sides of the two streams running from Jambil and Elum valley to Mingora to help reduce air pollution.

They insisted Mingora was considered among the cleanest cities of the country before 1969 when it used to be the former princely state but afterwards, not only was it badly mismanaged but it also suffered from massive air pollution and lacl< of waste disposal system, which rendered it one of the country`s dirtiest cities.

The civil society workers said trees could make cities cooler and help remove pollution from the air considerably.

`If poplar trees are planted along the two streams in Mingora, it will definitely lower down the temperatures and help control dengue-causing mosquitoes. The poplar tree planted near water streams absorbs water and releases fresh cool vapours in the air cooling the atmos-phere,` said civil society member Mehmood Aslam.

He said one grown-up poplar tree created cooling effect equivalent to several air conditioners.

`Green poplar trees will add to the beauty of the city and thus, attracting higher number of birds.

`Mingora streams are ideal spots for poplar tree plantation as abundant water is available there for their growth. The trees will also hide ugly garbage dumped in the once pristine and clean streams of Mingora city,` he said.

The civil society activists said the trees were planted on both sides of Saidu Mingora Road along with College Colony Road, where contractors covered roots of all old trees by cement.

`I don`t know where the district administration is now, as roots of all trees planted during the former state era along the roads in Saidu Sharif were covered by cement and thus, blocking supply of water to them. Those trees are withering,` said Usman Ulasyar, a social and culture activist in Saidu Sharif.

He asked the district administration toimmediately do away with the concretisation of the area around roadside trees andensure theirgreatercare.

`There should be a strict guideline by the local administration for contractors to save trees,` he said. Swat Scouts Open Group leader Akhtar Ali presented their voluntary services for the plantation campaign along both streams.

`I will be glad to provide my scouts for as many days as required because it is our collective responsibility to save our city from pollution and heat,` he said.

When contacted, Swat district forest officer Shaukat Fayaz said he would gladly offer plants under the Billion Trees Tsunami Programme for plantation.

`We are only concerned about the narrowing of the watercourse as it can create problems during floods. We will happily provide technical support along with the required trees to plant on both sides of the streams,` he said.

The DFO said this year, the forest department would also plant in and around Mingora city and other towns.

`There are many graveyards insideMingora city and its suburbs, where plantation in the next campaign will be carried out,` he said.The people said planting trees alongside streams would bear multiple benefits so the idea should be executed.