Jawzjan officials stress environmental protection, water conservation

SHIBERGHAN (Pajhwok): Officials in northern Jawzjan province have raised concerns over declining groundwater levels and rising air pollution, urging the public to conserve water and refrain from cutting down trees.

To increase awareness of climate change, the Information and Culture Department, in coordination with the Provincial Environment Protection Authority, launched a program titled “Public Awareness on Climate Change.”

At the opening ceremony, Mawlavi Saifuddin Mutaseem, head of the Information and Culture Department, discussed the effects of climate change and the province’s decreasing water levels.

He emphasized that protecting the environment and preventing water wastage is the responsibility of every citizen.

“Rational use of water and reducing air pollution can help mitigate the negative impacts of climate change,” he said.

Meanwhile, Qari Abdul Hai Omar Mukhtar, head of the Environment Protection Department, highlighted that declining water levels and air pollution are among the most serious challenges in the province.

He called on residents to actively participate in environmental greening initiatives.

“With the start of the tree-planting season, everyone should contribute by planting at least one sapling,” he said, urging people to refrain from illegal logging and tree cutting. “A green environment can help prevent severe air pollution.”

Syed Aref Yardam, head of Public Environmental Awareness, added that programs like this can play an effective role in reducing the negative impacts of climate change.

hz/sa