Rawalpindi: The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) observed World Earth Day here on Thursday.

The prime objective to observe this day was to create awareness among the masses about damages due to environmental pollution and steps to promote eco-friendly environment, said President RCCI Mohammad Nasir Mirza while giving a briefing to Member of National Assembly and Parliamentary Secretary on Climate Change, Ms Rukhsana Naveed at Chamber house.

He informed that RCCI is the first Green Chamber in Pakistan where it has Installed Solar Energy and rain water harvesting and recharge system in the building. Tree Plantation drive is the regular event of the Chamber and so far we have planted more than 100, 000 plants, he added.

He also gave a short summary of RCCI current and upcoming events and assured full support to the Clean and Green Pakistan project. He urged that information must be shared with the chamber on climate related initiatives, including Clean Green Pakistan Index (CGPI).

Parliamentary Secretary on Climate Change, Ms Rukhsana Naveed in her address said that the government has launched a five-point program under the Clean and Green Project, including Hygiene, Safe Sanitation & Liquid Waste Management,  Solid Waste Management, Safe Water and Plantation.

The PTI led Government has taken key environment friendly steps, including import of environmentally friendly fuel Euro-V, Electric Vehicle policy for four wheelers, ban on plastic bags and ranking of cities under the Green Index.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan has also started giving certificates and awards every year for the outstanding performance in the Clean and Green Campaign at the national level, she added. The Ten Billion Tree project is in full swing after the Billion Tree Tsunami, she said. Later, the Federal Secretary planted saplings in the chamber and inspected the rainwater recharge system in the chamber building and social security building and also gave a briefing on Clean initiatives by RCCI.

She was accompanied by Green and Clean Pakistan Islamabad Coordinator Adnan Mukhtar and Clean and Green Rawalpindi’s Rashid Mahnas. Senior Vice President Osman Ashraf, Vice President Shahraiz A Malik, members of the Executive Committee and members were also present on the occasion.