By Aziz Khatri
KARACHI: Karachi’s mayor has said that a major urban forestry initiative will serve as a key milestone in efforts to reduce pollution in the city, as authorities expand plantation drives across multiple districts.
Speaking to the media, Mayor Murtaza Wahab said that around 10,000 trees have already been planted along Shahrah-e-Bhutto, with a wider target of 100,000 saplings under the ongoing urban forest project.
He described the initiative as part of a broader push to make Karachi greener and more environmentally sustainable, arguing that large-scale tree plantation could help improve air quality and oxygen levels in the densely populated metropolis.
According to the mayor, the project includes planting species such as neem and gulmohar, with development work being carried out in phases. He said the creation of designated green zones across all seven districts of the city is also planned.
Officials said work on Shahrah-e-Bhutto began a few months ago under the municipal parks department, as part of a wider strategy to introduce more vegetation corridors in urban areas affected by rising pollution levels.
The mayor added that similar plantation efforts have already been initiated in other parts of the city, including Korangi, with a focus on expanding green coverage in industrial and high-traffic zones.
Alongside environmental initiatives, he also referred to ongoing infrastructure projects, including roadworks and expressway upgrades, as part of Karachi’s broader development program. He urged citizens to participate in tree plantation efforts, framing the initiative as a long-term investment in public health and urban resilience.
