Why is the Capital Development Authority (CDA) cutting down trees on Garden Avenue?

The CDA states it is removing paper mulberry trees to address pollen-linked respiratory issues, but critics suspect other development activities are involved.

Is the recent plantation drive in Islamabad effective?

The plantation drive in January is considered ill-advised by many due to the harsh winter conditions, which challenge the survival of young saplings.

What environmental concerns has WWF-Pakistan raised about Islamabad's green spaces?

WWF-Pakistan's report suggests vegetation loss is linked to infrastructure development and significant clearing of understory vegetation and soil compaction.

Home / Environment / Islamabad's Green Heart Ripped Out by CDA

Islamabad's Green Heart Ripped Out by CDA

15 Jan

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Summary

CDA's tree-felling campaign on Garden Avenue has removed significant green cover.
Critics question CDA's claim of only removing paper mulberry trees.
Plantation drive in January is criticized as ill-advised due to harsh winter.

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.