Suki Kinari Hydropower launch tree-planting initiative

ISLAMABAD, Feb 28 (Gwadar Pro) -In a significant step toward sustainable development, Suki Kinari Hydro (Pvt) Ltd., in collaboration with the Forest Department Kaghan and key construction partners, launched a much needed large-scale tree-planting initiative at the SK Hydropower Station project site under the theme Greening the Kunhar River Banks with a Green Power Station.

This marks the seventh consecutive year the company's participation in Pakistan’s Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Programme (TBTTP), bringing the total number of trees planted to over 150,000. The initiative plays a crucial role in reducing soil erosion while enhancing the station's ecological landscape, reflecting the shared commitment of China and Pakistan to sustainable energy and environmental conservation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

As the largest overseas greenfield hydropower investment by CEEC in Pakistan, the SK Hydropower Station known as the "green pearl" of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) officially commenced operations on September 14, 2024. Generating 3.212 billion kWh annually, it is set to save 1.28 million tons of coal, cut 3.2 million tons of CO₂ emissions, and power over 1 million households.

The Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with provincial governments and hydropower project authorities, has launched nationwide tree plantation campaigns. These campaigns often include areas affected by hydropower projects.

The Diamer-Bhasha Dam project, one of Pakistan's largest hydropower projects, also includes a comprehensive environmental management plan. This plan involves large-scale tree plantation drives to compensate for the loss of forest cover due to the dam's construction. Moreover, the Dasu Hydropower Project, being developed in stages, also includes environmental mitigation measures such as tree plantation to address deforestation and habitat loss.