LAHORE: The Punjab Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries Department has failed to survey and mark elite trees to collect seeds for a project titled ‘Survey and Establishment of Orchards of Endangered Species in Punjab’ despite spending Rs14.279 million, Pakistan Today learnt on Wednesday.
The aim of the project was to conserve biodiversity and uplift the local community’s living standard and socio-economic condition as they directly or indirectly rely on forest resources. The project was also supposed to develop a source of seed bank of endangered tree species whereas the plantation of different tree species would provide quality seed for raising of plantations in future.
The total approved cost of the project was Rs14.279 million. According to the details, a total of Rs14.279 million was released and the project utilised 100 per cent of the release for the period 2017-19.
Further, the directorate general monitoring and evaluation (DGM&E) has evaluated a report over the project and states that main objective of the project was not achieved whereas while giving in its observations the report states, “Details and results of the survey and marking of elite trees were not shared during and after the visits. Consultancy document for a survey from the University of Arid Agriculture Research (UAAR), Rawalpindi was not available. It was observed in all three project locations that boards were not available showing orchards’ information. Endangered species proposed in PC-I were selected without any reference or notification from the relevant department e.g. the Forest Department”.
“It was observed that irrigation water was in excess in some places, while some places were dry due to uneven field in Bahawalpur plantation site. Orchards were not protected from animals due to incomplete fencing in Bahawalpur. There were weeds in the orchard in Gujrat site. Weeds affect plant growth and water use efficiency of the plant species. As per the survey in Gujrat Site, the survival rate of Dhak was very low (27 per cent). Behera and Mahagony also had low survival rate i.e. 57 per cent. It was observed that there were only walls constructed in Gujrat site without roof, door & window. Inconsistency in fencing around orchards was observed during a site visit,” the report added.
The project has substantial relevancy due to the significance of the project regarding local and national requirements and is moderately effective in achieving the objectives and targets.
Three objectives out of eight have been achieved within the given timeline, three objectives have partially been achieved while two objectives were not achieved during the given period.
The efficiency of the project is moderate due to partially achievement of targets with the timeframe. This project has a moderate impact based on the target achieved. Considering the financial progress, the project also has moderate sustainability. On the basis of data collected, observations and status of objectives and targets, the project is partially successful.
