CDA to Replace Paper Mulberry with Eco-Friendly Trees

News Desk

Islamabad: In a groundbreaking initiative, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has announced plans to use helicopters for seed spraying and dropping in the Margalla Hills to enhance plantation in hard-to-reach areas

The decision was made during a meeting presided over by CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa, attended by environmental expert Rizwan Mahboob, members of the Baku environmental team, and senior officials from the CDA’s Environment Wing.

Greening Islamabad

As part of its broader environmental strategy, the CDA has also launched a large-scale campaign to remove allergen-producing paper mulberry trees and replace them with eco-friendly species. The initiative aims to mitigate pollen allergies while promoting sustainable urban forestry.

Chairman Randhawa emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating, “Planting environment-friendly trees is an ongoing act of public welfare. Our vision is a Green Islamabad and a Green Pakistan, and we will leave no stone unturned in achieving this goal.”

The campaign has already made substantial progress, with 5,072 paper mulberry trees removed from F-9 Park and replaced with 10,000 new trees. The CDA plans to plant around 30,000 eco-friendly trees in F-9 Park during the current spring season.

Similarly, in the Shakarparian area, 10,000 paper mulberry trees will be replaced with 50,000 new plants. Along the slopes of drains and roads, 1,000 paper mulberry trees will be substituted with 80,000 native, eco-friendly plants. Across other sectors of Islamabad, 10,000 paper mulberry trees will be removed, making way for 50,000 new trees.

Involving the Private Sector

To ensure the campaign’s success, the CDA has decided to engage the private and corporate sectors, as well as educational institutions. Chairman Randhawa directed that fruit-bearing, shade-providing, and flowering trees be prioritized to enhance the city’s green cover and biodiversity.

Students, teachers, and staff from both public and private educational institutions will be encouraged to participate actively. Private housing societies will also be invited to join the plantation drive. To engage the public, the CDA will set up plant stalls in low-cost markets established under the Ramadan Relief Package.

Public Awareness & Media Engagement

The CDA will display a list of suitable plants and trees for Islamabad’s climate on its official website to raise awareness about environmentally friendly plantation choices.

Additionally, Chairman Randhawa emphasized the role of media in promoting environmental conservation and urged media outlets to spread awareness about the initiative.

In a symbolic move, the CDA has committed to ensuring that each of its 15,000 officers and employees plants at least one eco-friendly tree. “We believe in taking practical steps,” Randhawa said, reaffirming the authority’s commitment to leading by example.

With these comprehensive measures, the CDA aims to enhance Islamabad’s urban greenery, improve air quality, and combat the adverse effects of deforestation and climate change.