Home / Environment / CDA Seeks Saplings After Chopping 30,000 Trees
CDA Seeks Saplings After Chopping 30,000 Trees
6 Mar
Summary
- CDA requested 45,000 saplings from the Ministry of Climate Change.
- The request aims to replace 30,000 chopped paper mulberry trees.
- Paper mulberry trees were removed due to health risks and Supreme Court orders.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has formally requested the Ministry of Climate Change to supply saplings for its spring plantation campaign. This action comes after the CDA felled around 30,000 mature paper mulberry trees in Islamabad. The authority is seeking 45,000 saplings of various indigenous species to replace the removed trees.
Authorities stated that the paper mulberry trees were cut in compliance with Supreme Court orders issued in 2023 and reiterated in 2025. These trees are considered invasive and are linked to health issues, including allergies and complications for asthma patients. Tree removal occurred in areas like H-8 for park upgrades and Chak Shahzad for road construction.
Despite official justifications, concerns have been raised about the scale of tree removal, with some reports indicating that not all felled trees were paper mulberry. Experts emphasize the need for transparent and science-based urban tree management strategies. A source within the Ministry of Climate Change noted that it is unusual for the CDA to request saplings from the ministry, as CDA possesses its own nurseries.
