By Ali Imran
ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has intensified tree plantation, landscaping and beautification activities across Islamabad as part of an ongoing campaign to expand the city’s green cover and preserve its character as a green capital.
The Environment Wing is carrying out plantation and landscaping along major roads and avenues, green belts, parks, recreational areas, public spaces, interchanges and other prominent locations, according to the CDA.
The campaign is being implemented under the supervision of CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Sohail Ashraf. The authority said the initiative was aimed at strengthening the capital’s green cover and improving its urban environment.
The CDA said thousands of trees and plants had been planted across the city during the previous year, while the current campaign was continuing at various locations. Suitable tree and plant species are being selected according to the environmental requirements of individual sites. The campaign also includes improvement of existing green belts, development of new green areas and landscaping along major roads and corridors.
The authority said particular attention was being given to major entry points and important roads of the capital as part of the beautification effort. Officials have also been directed to ensure the protection and maintenance of newly planted trees. Plantation sites are to be regularly maintained and adequately watered to support the healthy growth of the plants. Sohail Ashraf has stressed that maintenance and protection of planted trees were as important as plantation itself, the CDA said.
The authority said the campaign was also receiving participation from citizens, students, traders, businesspeople and civil society members. It encouraged educational institutions and other stakeholders to contribute to plantation efforts and help protect trees and green spaces.
According to the CDA, increased green cover would provide shade, improve the urban landscape and support environmental sustainability and biodiversity.
The authority said plantation and landscaping activities would continue across different parts of Islamabad, while existing green areas and trees would also be protected and maintained.
The CDA said citizens had welcomed the ongoing plantation and beautification work, particularly along roadsides, green belts, parks and recreational areas.
The authority reiterated its commitment to continuing plantation, landscaping and environmental protection activities across the capital.
