Since its inception, Islamabad is known as the green and scenic city in the midst of mountains. The countless trees, plants, flower beds, green belts and parks stand proof that the federal capital offers an atmosphere unrivalled by any other city of Pakistan.
However, the increase in population coupled with the need for new infrastructure has called for the expansion of service roads, main roads and highways. In order to construct new roads and expand old ones, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has mowed down ages-old trees that were in the way.
At present, the expansion of Islamabad expressway, a 25 kilometres long signal- free road starting from Zero Point and connecting the capital with Rawat, is the first phase of the project that has recently been opened for commuters. It has caused destruction of hundreds of trees.
The expansion of road that connects Sectors F-10 and G-10 with Sector E and the construction of E-11 and D-12 service roads have destroyed the green belts and patches of grass along with axing down the trees that were in the way.
The present modus operandi of doing construction around the capital by CDA is haphazard and pays no heed to the environmental concerns. The way construction and expansion is underway in Islamabad does not bid well for the future of the city.
The shrinking space for trees in Islamabad, the increase in noise pollution and the vanishing of lush greenery is giving way to low quality of air that citizens are breathing.
“We welcome the expansion of E-11, D-12 road as it was direly needed. However, CDA must plant new sapling in the place of mowed down full-grown trees. There is no doubt that capital is fast losing its greenery and trees. The citizens and authorities must do everything in their power to maintain the Islamabad we grew up in,” said Talha Ahmed, a resident of Sector D-12.
The authorities at CDA, when contacted for a comment, said that every year during the ‘Spring Tree Plantation Campaign’, more than half a million saplings are planted. According to official stance, more than half of these planted saplings grow into trees.
Keeping in view the necessity of building roads and buildings, the citizens want CDA to show a little affection towards trees and greenbelts as well as they are the most prized possession of the beautiful Islamabad.
