Mayor Wahab launches plan to plant 100,000 saplings along Shahrah-i-Bhutto

KARACHI: Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab on Tuesday inaugurated an Urban Forest project along the newly built Shahrah-i-Bhutto, under which 100,000 saplings are to be planted in phases along the route.

Speaking to the media at the launch ceremony, the mayor said around 10,000 trees had already been planted along the EBM Causeway on Shahrah-i-Bhutto. He said the wider target was to expand the plantation drive to 100,000 saplings in stages.

Members of the City Council, elected representatives and other relevant officials were present at the event.

Mayor Wahab said the plantation campaign included neem, gulmohar and other indigenous species considered suitable for Karachi’s climate and environmental conditions. He said the initiative was intended to support environmental improvement, lower air pollution and help provide residents with a healthier setting.

Referring to the expected impact of the project, he said the plantation would help bring down the city’s temperature and pollution levels while also contributing to improved oxygen levels. He added that the Urban Forest project would create a natural habitat for birds and wildlife and would also improve the city’s appearance.

At the ceremony, the mayor said climate change had emerged as a major challenge for Pakistan and added that rising temperatures in Karachi reflected the possible effects of global warming. He said responsible leadership made decisions with the future in mind and described improvement of the urban environment as an urgent requirement.

He said institutions across Pakistan were working on infrastructure development, while the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation was also undertaking large-scale plantation activity on open spaces so that the plants could grow into mature trees in the coming years and contribute to a better environment for citizens.

The mayor said the decision to create green zones along Shahrah-i-Bhutto was part of the same broader approach. He added that the Parks Department had begun work on the project two months ago.

Expansion across Karachi

Mayor Wahab directed the Parks Department to establish similar green zones in all seven districts of Karachi. He said neem trees had already been planted in Korangi and added that further plantation projects would continue in other parts of the city.

He also called on residents to take part in the Green Karachi campaign by planting trees.

According to the mayor, the plantation drive is aimed at combining urban development with environmental protection along one of the city’s major new road corridors. The project, as outlined at the launch, is being presented as part of a wider effort by the city administration to increase green cover and improve environmental conditions in Karachi.