Islamabad's Green Heart Ripped Out by CDA

Islamabad's beloved Garden Avenue, a symbol of the city's greenery, is currently the site of extensive tree-felling by the Capital Development Authority (CDA). This action has dramatically reduced the area's natural foliage, making previously obscured landmarks and the Islamabad Expressway visible from key points. The CDA claims the campaign targets paper mulberry trees, which are suspected to cause respiratory problems, but this explanation has been met with skepticism from the public and environmental organizations.

Civil society members and WWF-Pakistan have raised serious doubts about the CDA's motives and transparency, especially as the authority has initiated a plantation drive during the unsuitable cold of January. This ill-timed effort, combined with the scale of vegetation removal, suggests broader development plans beyond merely managing invasive species. Reports indicate that not only trees but also crucial understory vegetation have been cleared, and soil compacted, necessitating urgent restoration.

This situation has sparked widespread concern among residents who value Islamabad's identity as a green oasis. The opaque nature of the CDA's operations has intensified public outcry, with calls for clarity on the long-term plans for this vital green space. As the issue gains national attention, there is a pressing demand for the civic managers to be transparent about the future of Garden Avenue and its surrounding forest areas.