LAKKI MARWAT: Shops and makeshift kiosks built on government land in Naurang town here were razed during an anti-encroachment drive on Tuesday.

The operation was launched after traders didn`t pay heed to the notices served on them by the local administration to remove encroachments, built on both sides of the GT Road, on their own or face action.

The notices were served to shopkeepers by additional assistant commissioner Yaser Qayyum on the directives of the deputy commissioner Syed Zafar Ali Shah.

Municipal committee workers with the help of heavy machinery demolished dozens of shops and outlets built on the railway land.

Mr Qayyum asked the encroachers to remove debris within 24 hours or the administration would confiscate it.

He said encroachers and land grabbers would be dealt with an iron hand.

EARTH DAY CELEBRATED: The local wildlife departments of D.L Khan and Bannu divisions on Tuesday celebrated the Earth Day with the resolve to launch concerted efforts for conservation of natural resources and protecting the earth from pollution and environmental hazards.

In this connection, separate functions were held wherein students, teachers, conservationists and people from different walks of life participated.

Speaking on the occasion, district forest officer, Dera, Khan Malook said that deforestation, industrialisation and water and air pollution had increased environmental issues on earth, causing problems for human beings. He underlined the need for launching integrated efforts for environmental safety with the cooperation of the masses.

He asked the students and youths to play their role in nature conservation. `Students and youths can spread the message of nature conservation by taking part in tree plantation drives, activation of school nature clubs and wildlife safety activities.

Bannu DFO Abdul Halim Marwat highlighted the importance of conserving and protecting the earth through educating people to refrain from cutting trees and clearing land for industrial, agricultural and residential purposes. `People should also be educated about harmful effects of poaching and killing wildlife on the natural environment.

Speaking at the function, vice chancellor of the University of Science and Technology, Bannu, Dr Abdul Rahim Marwat said that clean drinking water and clean air were the basic needs of human beings and called for carrying out tree plantation campaigns to overcome the environmental pollution.

Later, the participants arranged a walk to create awareness among people about the importance of clean environment. A painting competition was also held among the students on the occasion.