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I was shocked to read about the news of the plan for construction of a building at the site of the only internationally recognized botanical garden of Peshawar University. I have been associated with the activities of plant biodiversity for more than 50 years. The great Prof. Dr. N.A. Qazilbash established this garden. Despite limited available space it is a very well planned institution. It comprises four sections, i.e., Gymnosperms, Xerophytes, Herbal Drug Conservatory and a field experimental section. The botanical garden to the budding botanists is like the hospital to a medical student. Not only has it been the source of supply of plant material for education and research for nearly fifty years, it must have also served to produce more than one thousand scientists with M.Sc., M.Phil, & Ph.D. degrees.
The issue is purely a technical one, and in no way a bone of contention between personalities or subjective viewpoints. Of the four plots, enclosed by the U-shaped building of the botany department, only two plots, currently under dispute, receive full-day sunlight, a condition essential for proper growth, development and production of plants. It is possible to run research projects satisfactorily only if proper sunlight, and that too, close to the laboratories, is available for such studies. Depending upon the type and number of research projects, which varies from year to year, a part or the whole of these plots is occupied by project-potted plants. About twenty M. Sc., M. Phil. and Ph.D. students, mainly girls, do field research and these plots are the only ones with full sunlight available for such studies. The girls work on their projects in a secluded, comfortable and secure environment on the department premises. The plots remain occupied by the potted plants for about eight months or so every year. Certainly, when the projects terminate, or when there is no project, the plots take up a barren look again, which is but natural.
The department has M. Sc. M. Phil. & Ph.D. projects including some funded by foreign agencies. The funding agencies do not approve a project for funding unless they are satisfied with the field and laboratory facilities.
These two plots constitute the only land area available for field research studies, which cannot be spared for any purpose other than that specified above. If the Botany Department is deprived of this facility, the field research studies would come to stand-still and the department would be compelled to close field-oriented research altogether. It may be added that the Federal Minister for Science and Technology is giving great importance to training more and more people in original research.
If a building is somehow erected on the `allegedly� proposed site, not only will the field-oriented research in Botany Department cease to be, but also no land would be available even for the field-oriented research of the new department. Due to this action, not only will the long- established plants in these plots, required for study and research, be removed forever but the plants in the inner plots, shaded by the building, will also be suppressed for further growth and development. Some of the plants in the inner plots would probably never produce flowers and fruits, required for research.
In view of the above facts, it is humbly submitted that the current research and education facility in the form of a botanical garden in its entirety may not be impaired please.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. A. R. Beg,
Botanist/Plant Ecologist,
(University of Mont Pellier, France 1964)
University Campus, Peshawar
===========================
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_7-11-2003_pg3_9
Destroying Peshawar University's Botanical Garden
Sir: The administration of the University of Peshawar (UOP) is in the process of constructing new buildings on the campus. Surely, we want the university to look good. But development must be sustainable, not arbitrary and haphazard. The administration has decided to construct a new block for Biotechnology Department inside the internationally recognized botanical garden of the Botany Department. This Garden has been declared an international botanical garden by the decision of the International Association of Botanical Gardens (IABG) New York. The construction of a building here would be contrary to the bylaws of the Convention of Biological Diversity (1992, 1997, 2000, and 2003) But who cares?
Even a mean intelligence can see that the arbitrary construction would cause immense damage to the 45-year-old Centre of Biodiversity. Incidentally, the botanical garden is an integrated part of the centre. According to PEPA 1997 every project needs to carry out an Initial Environment Examination (IEE) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This has not been done in this case and the university intends to carry on with the construction. The Sarhad Conservation Network, an environmentalist/ preservationist organization has protested but to no avail. The concerned departments either seem to be unaware of or are simply not bothered.
I strongly protest this construction project through this letter and demand of the NWFP government to ask the university to immediately stop work on the project. The government must also take strict action against those bent on destroying a precious biological asset.
GULMINA MARWAT
Peshawar
-------------
http://www.statesman.com.pk/Letters.htm
Pollution in City
I want to let the godfathers of the province and the central government know that Peshawar is suffering from environmental pollution.
If this pollution is not prevented from destroying the natural environment, we will be left with only stories to tell to our next generations that our motherland once consisted of green trees, beautiful birds and natural resources.
I am writing this letter as a natural response after reading a distressing news item that the officials of the Peshawar University want to destroy the green atmosphere of the university campus.
ARBAB MUHAMMAD HALIM (Advocate)
Peshawar
-------------
http://www.statesman.com.pk/Letters/letter1.htm
Peshawar University's Botanical Gardens
I think the destruction of the Botanical Gardens of the Department of
Botany, University of Peshawar, would be a dreadful mistake. One that I have
seen too many times in my years as an academic in different parts of the
world. It should not be allowed. Here I hesitate to cut even a single tree
without careful thought. Fifty years of growth can never be replaced.
Dr E D F Williams
http://personal.inet.fi/cool/don.williams
-------------
Destruction of Garden
This refers to PU administration's recent decision to build a Biotechnology Department in the Botany Dept's botanical garden. (Nov 4, Statesman report by Taimur Ahmed Shah)
I wish to lodge my strongest protest against this wanton destruction. After having read the arguments appearing in the Statesman, for and mostly against, I have also concluded not only is it contrary to environmental by-laws but is an entirely outrageous plan and we must do our level best to stop any kind of destructive activity in the university campus. Instead, more funds should be alloted to enhance the beauty of the exisiting garden. If one travels around the world they would notice how well the gardens are preserved in some of the older universities, inspite of their expansion over the years. Any other suitable site may be chosen for Biotech, certainly not in the half a centuary old botanical garden which is one of its kind and a prized jewel of the Peshawar campus.
Dr Ali Jan
Peshawar
--------------
Dear friends in SCN
As I live in Australia, therefore I do not have the full address of EPA. If you can provide me EPA address, fax no or email then I will be able write to them supporting your request.
Regards
Dr Tahir Khurshid <[email protected]>
Research Horticulturist (Citrus Physiology)
Agricultural Research & Advisory Station
Silver City Highway
PO Box 62 Dareton NSW 2717,
AUSTRALIA.
----------------------
Dear all,
Whatever you can do to help, would be wonderful. Every tree counts (and biotech replacing botanical gardens? outrageous!!) and this is a beautiful garden. I remember it from when I was a youngster.
If you don't know about this group, you should. They may be able to help:
http://www.globalresponse.org/
Jennifer Heath
Seeds for Afghanistan Project
USA
-----------------
"First they ignore you.
Then they laugh at you.
Then they fight you.
Then you win."
-- Gandhi
------------------
Dear SCN,
This is ridiculous, why will someone cut down the trees. It does not matter how old are they, but it is a life. The Govt must come up with a law stating that no tree should be cut down for any reason.
Regards
Dr. Imtiaz Shah <[email protected]>
Environmental Program,
George Washington Uni,
Washington DC
---------------------
Dear SCN,
It seems every time I come down country, I find something new is going to be destroyed around here...
Blinkered vision and vested interests everywhere one looks.
Maureen Lines
Author, Social Worker, Environmentalist
Peshawar/ Chitral
--------------------
Thanks for the valuable information about this very
sad and cruel endevour. AIMS would fully support SCN
in this campaign to save the invaluable environment
and greenery of Peshawar University. Please do let us
know of any action you may wish to take so we could
join you.
Regards
Dr Zia ul Hasan
Director
AIMS International
Peshawar
-------------------
Dear SCN friends,
You have all my support, not only it is important to
stop the wreckage but we also need to convince the
implementers that it is not absolutely important to
concentrate everything into an already crowded space
but to identify and develop other places as well
by putting up such good Institutions.
Regards,
Dr Rubina Gillani
Country Manager
Fred Hollows Foundation
-------------------------------
It is exteremely perturbing to note that your concern
is not getting the response it deserves. At this moment I can propose
that other than giving your own story in a paper ensure that an investigative
journalist gets into it. He can come and interview us and we would be more
than happy to help. In the mean time why don't you contact PELA (Pakistan
Environmental Lawyers Association) may be they will be able to help. Contact
Ms. Saima Khawaja a lawyer from Lahore a PELA member who is working on
such issues.
Good luck for now.
Asad Durrani,
COORDINATOR
HUMAN RIGHTS CENTER
FACULTY OF LAW
UOP
-----------------------------
PLEASE SAVE OUR TREES
Honorable Sir,
The works department has marked the area for
construction of the building in the heart of Botanical
Garden for Computer Science and Biotechnology. The
area is objectionable. Why? Few points are given
below with great respect.
Fifty years old trees will be cut during
excavation- Beauty of the campus will be greatly
damaged.
Botanical gardens are the international asset.
According to the law of International Association
of Botanical Gardens, this is the duty of UNO member
countries to protect the plants in any Botanical
Garden located in their respective countries.
Construction in the Botanical Garden is clear
violation of the International Laws governing the
Botanical Gardens.
We have heard that you are promoting research in
Peshawar University. But if we loose the botanical
garden. Where we (your daughters and sons in Botany)
will go for daily practical classes and research?
Radioactive and numerous injurious chemical
compounds will be used in Biotechnology in future.
This will be a permanent source of cancer at the
campus. It needs to be in an isolated place.
Please write a single line to the works department.
�Change the site�. You will save Botany from really
9/11 disasters but more than that because destroyed
buildings can be erected but 50 years old trees if
fallen cannot be erected at any cost.
Students from botany department
UOP
----------------------------------------
"It is very discouraging to hear that a building is
being planned to construct at the site of the
botanical garden of Botany Department, Peshawar
University. Today�s global trend is towards
construction of botanical gardens to conserve precious
germplasm while we are moving around. The present
garden is playing a vital role in the training of
students. This destructive act will not only eliminate
a student recreational site but has also shocked
nature lovers and conservationists.It is requested
that the Botanical garden must be retained at the same
location unimpaired".
With best regards.
Thankful,
Muhammad Ibrar Shinwari <[email protected]>
Research Associate/Industrial Laiason Officer
Botanical Sciences Division, Pakistan Museum of
Natural History, Garden Avenue, Shakarparian,
Islamabad
-----------------------------------
For environmental and historical reasons the botanical garden must be preserved.
Annika Stanley
United Kingdom
Via E-mail
--------------------------------
The Stateman, Letters Nov 22, 2003
PU�s destructive plan
This is with reference to the news regarding the decision of constructing a biotechnological laboratory at University of Peshawar and the construction of playland at historical Shahi Bagh. This is painful to learn that officials at such high posts take such careless and unjustifiable decisions.
If one tried to find just one argument in favour of these environmental destructions, be it from law or ethics, the person will be disappointed. Such acts are irreversible and have no recompense.
The biotech lab or funland can be constructed even in the basement or tenth floor of any building but never in the internationally recognised botanical garden or historical Shahi Bagh. I, as member of Sarhad Conservation Network, strongly condemn both of these acts and warn these business-minded, materialistic officials not to ruin these precious gifts in the name of baseless, polluting and selfish development.
ANJUM JAVAID,
Environmentalist, Peshawar
-------------------------------
To Whom It May Concern:
I am proufoundly hurt of what I have heard and now convinced 100% by the letter posted By Mr. Adil Zareef to have our say and protest out loudly this brutal scheme planned towards the demolition of the said Botonical Gardens and other Tree-lines of my Alma Mater (Peshwar University).
While the local atmospheric environments are disastrously polluted, we the old and new dwellers of this city have every right to stand firm behind this vital demand of preserving and saving the city assests. That is to keep Peshawar University hold its architectural values as it stands and not to destroy any further what has already been destroyed.
The last time when I paid a visit to Peshawar was 1991, and was alarmed to hear that the Orange plantation next to the Home Economics College was no more or were suppose to be crushed inorder to make a room for another building. This is just one example.
This is absolutely outrageous to have this lone campus go through surgical operations and piece-by-piece every organ has to be removed with every change that has been made to the administration of the Campus. In 1997, I saw for my self the palatial new campus that was suppose to be the department only, what we used to call the agricultural department and forest college. Then we have the Islamic Centre that was build to accomodate the departments of Political Science etc.. The next one I heard and witnessed was a complete new set of buildings near the post office and which now is home to the various departments, e.g: International Relations and so on.
My point is this: why on earth, Peshawar campus of the University of Peshawar has to have all this expansion and not to have other sites errected and build around the province so as to fairly allow other cities and towns have more outlets of the "University of Peshawar". For example, Kohat should be the next stop for another Campus of Forestry, Parachinar for Engineering, and let Peshawar carry on with the burdon of preserving its old glory and catter in the same vein to the graduates and under-graduates as has been the case for decades.
I am utterly opposed to the this scheme of the campus administration and they should immediately appologize to the allumni association of this great heritage of the province and city. The people who have perpetrated this cruelty on our campus' natural environments must be penalised for this abhorent criminal act and savagery and the provincial government must set up a commission not only to undo this plan of routing the 'Great Botonical Gardens' but also arrange to persecute those who are liable in implementing the logging practice of the historic tree lines of the Peshawar University.
I am appalled to see that neither the Chief Minister nor the Governor what to talk of the students who are the guardians of this valuable piece of our history have made any efforts whatsoever to have atleast cautioned this ruthless behaviour on the part of the campus administration.
Peshawar University is the crown jewel of this city and that is what matters now, expansion should be done somewhere else not here. I came to Peshawar University from Edwardes College, and imagine although it is more then 100 years old and still it offer students with the same environment that include its old trees as well as old buildings.
I am glad that the SCN has brought up this issue and I am 100% behind you. May Allah save this CAMPUS as it stands of whatever is left and hope that the government will intervene in preserving both the architectural and natural environment of this glorious piece of our learning experience and common heritage...InshaAllah!
Bravo Adil Zareef !!!
Umar Khan Dawar
Depatrment of International Relations
University of Peshawar 1982-83
-------------------------
A fervent appeal to save the botanical gardens
This fervent appeal is being forwarded to the concerned authorities who are in charge of keeping the Botanical Garden from being plundered & robbed of its wealth of natural beauty & over 50
years of well cared for flora & fauna, a botanical wealth of immense importance
for the past, present & as well as for the future generations of our children,i.e the student faculty of this campus. We appeal for "change the site" & do not put our young generation of students, teachers under undue distress & those concerned with its uprooting.
Its very unfortunate that where the modern world isturning back to save
the world from greenhouse effects due to senseless cutting of the forests
we can't have the foresight to see "under our very noses" the ill effects
of destroying our Botanical Garden? Its immense importance in the
life of this campus & for the students is indisputable. Howcome the
reigning authority is so powerless not to object to this callous regard
of the student's rights & needs?
We have come to understand that the root cause of this plunder&
senseless destruction of this heavenly Garden is only greed ofthe
building mafia & the vested interests of the parties involved, under the garb of
building a computer Science & Biotechnology. I am over awed & over whelmed with the most enchanting photographs of the Botanical Garden in the e mail. we have to fight real hard toget it freed from the greedy clutches of the Bd. mafia.
Tallat Awan. (Former student of Psychology dept, Peshawar University)
Karachi
------------------------
Dear Sarhad Conservation Network,
I am amused as well saddened to read the article by Adil Zareef. Happy, that still we have people who feel and can express their feelings. Sad, for those who should have been arthis in some marketplace are in control of the best institutions Sarhad can boast of.
In any season of the year the moment when you step inside Islamia College gate you feel a drop of at least 7 to 8 degrees centigrade. This is because of the harborial environment in the campus.
However, I wish to draw your attention to a less poetic issue, yet equally, if not more important. It is the large number of exits of raw sewerage flowing out into all the water streams of Peshawar valley.
I can recollect one could comfortably drink from the Kabul River high level canal, if the sand was allowed to settle down. And it was permissible to perform ablution with waters of Jui Sheikh or as is commonly called Sheikh Katha or Sheikh Walla. Not any more, children are horrified to bathe in the two irrigation channels for fear of getting skin diseases.
So is the case with natural streams in the area. River Shah Alam flows white near the bridge over it on Charsadda road. It is due to the pouring in of impurity from Khazana Sugar Mills and the tanneries near the said bridge. No fish dare live in the stream any more.
It is an apt statement 'every one should dispose the pollution he or she creates'. Will it not be possible to tell the culprits of opening raw sewerage into water courses that they treat the stuff by using septic tanks, before letting it to flow out. Those who are not willing or unable to comply should be made to pay tax till it is remedied.
Let us have clean and clear water flowing in the streams of Peshawar valley once again. And it is possible.
Very Concerned,
Tariq Mahmood <[email protected]>
Peshawar
------------
Dear Sir,
I am very disturbed and shocked at this news. I live
in the United States, and very concerned with the lack of
importance given to our academic institutions in Pakistan by the
policy makers. Please let me know how can I help? Thanks.
Sincerely,
Syed M. Taqi
Email: [email protected]
------------
Dear Sir,
Please do everything to stop this destruction. Approaching IUCN
may help.
Let Non-Resident Pakistanis come to rescue. Sit on hunger
strike. Leave no
stone unturned.
Is not destruction of plants prohibited in Islam?
I am absolutely outraged.
Sincerely,
Ashok Malik <[email protected]>
Prof. of Biology
Mission College
Santa Clara, CA
USA
--------------------
It really does not make sense to destroy a historical and valuable asset and replace it with a biotech lab. True, the locals have the right to move forward in this fast pace world, BUT, not at the expense of destruction. The Vice Chancellor, Governor, the Local Provincial Chief or whoever is responsible for this bizzare idea should be asked to put a stop to this action.
Zahid Ayub, Ph.D., P.E.
President
Isotherm, Inc.
Texas, USA
(Graduate of Eng College, Peshawar, 1977)
------------------------------
Respected Fellow Countrymen
After having read the letters of such well known figures from all over the world, I don�t really have much else to say except state the obvious. I am utterly speechless as to why an action hasn�t even been taken so far, there�s hardly anything to debate about in this whole argument. There has already been a large hue and cry as it is, and I don�t see room for any further discussion on this. There is only a limit to unjustified and unreasonable decisions, and I suggest it be stopped at once or the matter will be exploited to a very high degree. It is certainly not an illogical request that is being made because as for the building, it can be built on any piece of land that bears no plantation. The garden is an asset to Pakistan and must therefore be respected by all people in all times to come.
I was very moved when I saw the photographs on the website and can only imagine how much they could mean to someone who has seen and touched them in reality. My mother was a first batch student of botany in Peshawar and tonight when I showed her the pictures, she was overwhelmed recollecting the memories attached to the beautiful garden. She said there could be no place like it, �so serene, and so secure�.
I therefore strongly condemn any such act of devastation and urge strict action to be taken against any party who wishes to burn the garden down merely for cement and concrete.
Kabir said:
�All know that the drop merges into the ocean, but few know that the ocean merges into the drop�.
Kind Regards
Sadia Bukhari
Tribute Communities
Toronto
Canada
------------------------------
Being a botanist i can say these few words:
"A fifty storied building can be made in one year
but fifty years old tree can't possibly be grown in as many days
and nights.
It seems illogical to cut down the innocent trees."
Well done SCN, Keep it up.
Sincerely
Sher Aman Durrani <[email protected]>
A Botanist
Please find attached the appeal filed with EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) by SCN regarding the construction of Biotechnology Department in the Botanical Gardens of the Department of Botany, University of Peshawar.
SCN has proposed to the administration to build the new department at another suitable place. SCN wants to save the botanical garden as 50 years old trees will be cut along with other rare plant species grown over the years. The Botanical gardens are serving the Botany students with their practical day-to-day classes and research and functions like a 'laboratory' for them.
SCN has the backing of all university teachers and students alike and if required, SCN will be seeking support of the higher courts as well to stop this destructive development at the centre of learning in the Peshawar university campus.
It is hoped that all members, supporters and friends will write to EPA and their respective newspapers and representatives about preventing this disaster from happening. Kindly forward this petition to a friend as well.
Thank you very much indeed,
Executive Council SCN
Sarhad Conservation Network �
http://www.geocities.com/scn_pk
=======================
Dr Mohd Bashir <[email protected]>
Director General
Environmental Protection Agency
4th Floor, SDU building,
Khyber Road
Peshawar
Oct 21, 2003
Subject: Construction of Biotechnology Department in internationally recognized
Botanical Garden, Botany Department, University of Peshawar.
Dear Sir,
Sarhad Conservation Network has learnt through reliable sources that the administration of Peshawar University has decided to construct a new block for Biotechnology Department inside the internationally recognized Botanical Garden of the Botany Department, UOP.
2. That this decision was taken without the consent of all parties, and agreed rules of the university campus under the university act.
3. It has been reported that under "Special notification" by the University Administration, the Security Officer and Dr Farrukh Hussain, Head Biotechnology department have auctioned standing trees of this garden of academic value, bypassing the tree assessment committee and other rules pertaining to felling and sale of trees at the campus.
4. The Peshawar University Botanical Garden has been declared an international botanical garden by the decision of International Association of Botanical Gardens (IABG) New York.
5. Construction of a new block is contrary to the bylaws of the Convention of Biological Diversity (1992, 1997, 2000, 2003)
6. Any organization violating the above rules is contrary to the UN conventions that result in discontinuation of secondary research financial support at international level to the departments of botany, zoology, biotechnology, pharmacy and environmental science, in the university of Peshawar.
7. The already established Center of Biodiversity in University of Peshawar would suffer incalculable damage owing to this unplanned development as this center of biodiversity is 45 year old, and the botanical garden is an integrated component of the center.
8. Most importantly the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has not been carried out before launching this huge project at the campus.
9. Radioactive and numerous hazardous chemical compounds used in future will be permanent source of serious diseases and cause of irreparable damage to the environment of the campus.
10. EPA should take cognizance of the seriousness of the matters stated above and take immediate steps to halt this unscientific and unauthorized development under the following sections of Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997:
Section 12: Initial Environmental Examination and Environmental Impact Assessment. (EIA)
Section 16: Environmental Protection Order. Administrative Measures:
a) EPO and b) Administrative Penalty.
Section 19. Offences by government agencies, local authorities and local councils.
Section 21: Jurisdiction and powers of Environmental Tribunals.
Section 22: Appeals to Environmental Tribunal.
In the interest of general public and safeguarding the sanctity of a higher seat of learning, it is requested that EPA take necessary and immediate actions to prevent the destruction of a precious and internationally recognized biological asset and prevent a source of serious hazard to public health.
Thank you,
Executive Council and General Body members,
Sarhad Conservation Network
NWFP
c.c.
1. Director General, Federal EPA, Islamabad
2. Hina Gillani, Secretary General, HRCP.
3. Advocate Anjum Jawaid Khan, Member Law Commission. The World Conservation Commision. 9 Link Farid Kot Road, Lahore.
4. Saima Khawaja, National Environmental Law Expert, Lahore.