Canopy Trees: A Key to Combating Smog, Air Pollution in Peshawar

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Peshawar: Environmentalists and forestry experts are urging the preservation and planting of canopy trees in urban centers like Peshawar to combat rising air pollution and smog.

Highlighting the dangers of PM 2.5 pollution, Gulzar Rehman, former KP conservator of forests, called for increased planting of native canopy trees such as Siris, Pipal, and Shisham, which can significantly reduce air pollution.

“A single healthy canopy tree provides oxygen for up to four people,” Rehman stated, emphasizing the environmental benefits of these trees.

Peshawar, once lush with greenery and biodiversity, has seen significant deforestation due to urbanization and road expansion.

Experts lament the misguided planting of non-native species, such as eucalyptus and date palms, that fail to address pollution challenges effectively.

Under the Billion Trees Afforestation Project, efforts to plant native species have been ramped up to control pollution and rising temperatures.

However, environmentalists stress the need for better planning, selection of appropriate species, and post-plantation care to ensure success.