Karachi: The Sindh High Court has issued a written order imposing a ban on the cutting of trees across the province, especially in the name of development projects. According to the court’s ruling, any obstruction caused by trees must be addressed by relocating the trees or seeking permission from the court.
The court has also issued a show-cause notice to the Mayor of Karachi for non-compliance with the orders. The court had previously asked the mayor for a tree-planting policy and a report on the last five years’ plantation efforts, but the report was not submitted.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) informed the court that 3,800 trees were cut down during the construction of various projects, despite assurances from contractors that for every tree cut, five new trees would be planted. The court emphasized that this agreement had not been followed. The High Court also pointed out that global warming is a major challenge for humanity, and Pakistan, especially cities like Karachi, is highly vulnerable due to limited greenery. The court highlighted the importance of large-scale tree plantation in Karachi and other cities in Sindh.
The court instructed the Mayor of Karachi to ensure that no trees are cut down and, if necessary, to relocate them. The Secretary of Forests was also directed to ensure that no tree is cut without permission. A survey of the city’s trees must be conducted by the forest department, as this is primarily their responsibility, not that of the local government. If there is a need to cut any trees, permission must be obtained from the district session judge.
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