KOHAT: Speakers at a seminar here on Monday expressed grave concern over the mushrooming growth of housing societies, which were eating up farmlands.

Director of Human Resource SupportP r o g r a m m e Nasir Akbar, social welfare officer Bilal Afridi, climate experts and members of civil society organisations spoke on the occasion.

They called for stopping the ruthless cuttingof trees and uncontrolled urbanisation.

They said unexpected rains, floods and long dry spells were the result of climate change.

On the occasion, Mr Akbar said collective efforts were required by the government, social organisations and the community at large to tackle the impact of climate change.

CLEANLINESS PLAN: Chief executive officer of Water and Sanitation Services Company Arif Rauf said a special cleanliness plan has been finalised for the three days of Eidul Azha.

He told a meeting held here on Monday that WSSC`s 550-member staff and 100 small and big vehicles had been deputed for the purpose.

He said 232 offal collection points had also been designated. He added that leaves of all the staff in the six urban union councils had been cancelled.Mr Rauf said unhindered supply of water would be ensured to consumers during the three-day festival, according to a statement.

He said work on digging huge holes at the landfills for hygienically dumping entrails had also started.

He said choked drains were also being cleared.

Similarly, he said special messages for the public would be broadcast on radio; and banners would be hung at prominent places to make people aware of dumping animal waste at the designated places.

He urged clerics to highlight the importance of cleanliness during their sermons.

Mr Rauf said the company`s complaint cell would remain open round-the-clock, adding people could approach 1334 helpline to lodge complaints in an emergency.