"OPEN LETTER"
To: Honorable Chief
Minister,
Government of Sindh,
CM House, Karachi.
Subject: Urgent Proposal: Tax
Exemption for Tree Planting – A Greener, Healthier Sindh
Respected Chief
Minister,
On behalf of concerned
citizens, dedicated environmental advocates, and passionate sustainability
educators, we urgently present a critical proposal under our campaign, “Green Sindh – No Tax on Growing Tree.” We believe that
immediate and decisive action is required to address the escalating impacts of climate change and rising urban pollution across our
beloved province.
Sindh faces
significant environmental challenges, from intensifying heatwaves and poor air quality in
our bustling cities to the creeping threats of desertification and water scarcity in rural areas. Trees offer a powerful,
natural solution to mitigate these challenges. They act as vital carbon sinks, natural air purifiers, and
effective coolants, directly improving public health and
ecological resilience.
We humbly propose that
the Government of Sindh take the following visionary steps:
1.
Officially declare all tree plantations on private or
institutional lands as all taxes-free activities. This direct financial incentive will
immediately encourage widespread tree planting, making it more affordable and
appealing for every citizen and institution to contribute to a greener Sindh.
2.
Recognize community-based mini forests, gardens, and
agricultural tree belts as protected green assets. Granting official recognition will not only
safeguard these vital ecological spaces from encroachment but also encourage
their development, fostering invaluable community engagement and enhancing
urban and rural biodiversity.
3.
Implement a progressive 'Carbon Levy' on high-emission industries
to offset any nominal fiscal adjustment. This crucial step ensures that the financial burden of
environmental restoration is equitably shifted from individual citizens, who
are actively contributing to a healthier environment, to the major polluting
entities responsible for carbon emissions. It aligns perfectly with principles
of environmental justice and promotes much-needed corporate accountability.
This campaign seeks
more than just tax relief; it's a strategic investment in the health and
prosperity of generations to come. Encouraging citizens to plant
trees without financial penalties empowers collective ownership of climate
resilience. This measure would also undeniably reflect Sindh’s strong
leadership in sustainable governance and environmental justice, setting a
powerful example for other provinces.
We urge the Government
of Sindh to review and swiftly implement this transformative proposal. The
citizens of Sindh are ready to extend our full support. We stand prepared to
collaborate actively with your administration, environmental organizations,
local schools, and civil bodies to launch widespread awareness and mobilization
efforts that will truly make Sindh a beacon of environmental sustainability.
With unwavering hope
and dedication to a greener, healthier Sindh,
Yours sincerely,
Citizens of Sindh
Green Sindh: No Tax on
Growing Tree
