Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab has said that practical measures are underway to make Karachi a greener, environmentally friendly, and pollution-free city. He stated that the Urban Forest project would play a significant role in environmental improvement, reducing air pollution, and providing citizens with a healthier and better environment. Under the project, around 10,000 trees have already been planted along the EBM Causeway on Shahrah-e-Bhutto, while the overall target is to plant 100,000 saplings in phases.
He said that neem, gulmohar trees, and other indigenous species suitable for Karachi’s climate and environment are being planted under the tree plantation campaign. The project will not only help reduce the city’s temperature and pollution levels but will also contribute to improving oxygen levels.
The Urban Forest project will provide a natural habitat for birds and wildlife while also enhancing the beauty of the city. He expressed these views while inaugurating the Urban Forest project at EBM Causeway Shahrah-e-Bhutto on Tuesday. Members of the City Council, elected representatives, and other concerned officials were also present on the occasion. Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab said that climate change has become a major challenge for Pakistan, while the increasing heat in Karachi clearly indicates the possible effects of global warming. He said that responsible leadership always makes decisions keeping the future in mind and that improving the urban environment is the need of the hour.
He said that all institutions in Pakistan are working towards infrastructure improvement, while the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation is also carrying out large-scale plantation drives on open spaces so that these plants may grow into large trees in the coming years and provide a better environment for citizens. He added that the decision to establish green zones along Shahrah-e-Bhutto is also part of the same vision, and the Parks Department had started work on the project two months ago.
He directed the Parks Department to establish similar green zones in all seven districts of Karachi. He said that neem trees have been planted in Korangi and further plantation projects will continue across the city. He also appealed to citizens to participate in the Green Karachi campaign by planting trees as an act of ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah).
Mayor Karachi said that Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had promised the completion of Shahrah-e-Bhutto, and that promise is now being fulfilled as the road will be inaugurated this month. He said that the project would reduce travel time from several hours to just 25 minutes. He said he was grateful to Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and the Chief Minister of Sindh for providing the required funds for the completion of the TP-1 project. He added that the current year is the year of completion of development projects, and during the next six months citizens will witness the completion of several important projects that will significantly reduce public difficulties.
Speaking about the 28th Amendment, he said that the draft had not yet been shared with them. He added that the Federal Information Minister and Federal Law Minister had already clarified that no such proposal was under consideration.