ISLAMABAD – The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has launched an innovative initiative to promote plantation in the Margalla Hills by using helicopters for spraying and seed-dropping in hard-to-reach areas. This unique approach was discussed in a recent meeting chaired by CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa, attended by environmental expert Rizwan Mahboob, members of the Baku environmental team, and senior officers from the CDA’s Environment Wing.
The CDA’s campaign also aims to address pollen allergies caused by paper mulberry trees by replacing them with environmentally friendly plants. Significant progress has already been made, with 5,072 paper mulberry trees removed from F-9 Park and replaced with 10,000 new trees. The initiative will see the planting of approximately 30,000 eco-friendly plants in F-9 Park during the spring season.
Additionally, the CDA plans to remove 10,000 paper mulberry trees in the Shakarparian area and replace them with 50,000 new plants. Along the slopes of drains and roads, 1,000 paper mulberry trees will be replaced with 80,000 local, eco-friendly plants. Across other sectors of Islamabad, another 10,000 paper mulberry trees will be removed and replaced with 50,000 new plants.
The CDA has also involved the private and corporate sectors in this year’s plantation campaign. Chairman Randhawa emphasized the need for fruit-bearing, shade-providing, and flowering trees to enhance the city’s greenery and biodiversity. He called for the participation of students, teachers, and staff from both private and public educational institutions to ensure the campaign’s success. Private housing societies are encouraged to take part in the campaign, and plant stalls will be set up in low-price markets established under the Ramadan Relief Package to engage the public.
To raise awareness, the CDA will display a list of suitable plants and trees for the local environment on its website. Chairman Randhawa also stressed the role of media in promoting the campaign, urging various outlets to spread the message of environmental conservation. In a symbolic gesture, the CDA has committed to ensuring that each of its 15,000 officers and employees plants at least one eco-friendly tree.
