Individuals as well as the timber mafia are busy in chopping of trees in various areas of the federal capital, destroying the green look of the city, whereas the authorities concerned are seemingly least bothered to control the trend.
During the spring season, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) planted saplings across Islamabad to make it a green city, but the practice of chopping the trees could ruin their plans.
This winter, more and more people are seen cutting the trees, because household use due to the electricity and gas load shedding in the capital. A large number of people are also engaged in the business to make money in the market.
Environmentalists are of the view that hundreds of saplings can never be a substitute to a grown tree. They asked the general public to refrain from the practice that is ruining the environment of the capital.
They demanded of the government to take immediate steps to stop the illegal chopping of trees and ensure greenery in the capital city. They also advised the CDA to develop a mechanism to check the situation, ensure the growth of saplings and their protection as most of them are either uprooted or die due to the extreme weather conditions.
Experts urged the authorities concerned to deploy sufficient workforce in hilly as well as urban areas, including security guards and foresters, to act against the illegal business and protect the environment.
They suggested imposition of penalties on the culprits and formation of special teams to conduct surprise raids and act on complaints registered by the people.
