ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Climate Change recently responded to the Islamabad High Court about the removal of trees in the capital. They justified cutting down paper mulberry trees by claiming these trees are non-native and pose environmental issues.
The ministry assured the court that only paper mulberry trees were targeted for removal. Other species like kachnar, sanbal, pine, and sukh chain were protected during this operation. Additionally, they emphasized that tree cutting requires prior approval, which was not sought in this case.
The Islamabad Wildlife Management Board inspected the area and stated that the Capital Development Authority (CDA) must get consent from the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) before any tree cutting. They also highlighted the need for consultation with wildlife officials for such actions. The ministry expressed its concerns directly to the interior secretary upon discovering the tree cutting.
In its defense, the CDA submitted a six-page report to the high court, indicating they had approval from the Prime Minister’s Office for the tree removal. They mentioned a 2022 court directive that led to forming a committee including the Environmental Protection Agency to tackle environmental issues such as pollen allergies.
Research links paper mulberry trees to increased pollen allergies, prompting the CDA and the Prime Minister’s Office to act. After weighing court instructions, research, and committee discussions, the Prime Minister’s Office allowed the CDA to proceed with removing the trees, planning to replace them with more environmentally friendly options. The CDA explained that all tree-cutting operations follow clear and transparent procedures.
In 2022, not only were trees on Islamabad Highway removed, but the CDA has also requested the court to dismiss any petitions aiming to stop the current operation.
Interestingly, as recent as this year, social media has seen a surge in public discussions about urban tree management and its impact on health and allergies. Advocates for environmental preservation stress the importance of balancing development and green spaces in cities. A 2023 study showed that cities with diverse tree species have better air quality. This perspective highlights a growing awareness of the need for careful planning in urban environments.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the report by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency for comprehensive insights on this issue.
