SC Greenlights Removal of Hazardous Trees from F-9 Park

News Desk 

Islamabad: The Supreme Court, acknowledging the necessity of removing hazardous paper mulberry trees from F-9 Fatima Jinnah Park, has rescinded its previous order halting tree-cutting in the park.

Instead, it has instructed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to proceed with the removal under the guidance of forest experts.

The court’s decision follows a joint report from expert foresters highlighting the dangers posed by invasive species like the paper mulberry and the lack of appropriate procedures for tree cutting by the CDA.

The expert foresters emphasized the need for a policy to discourage the planting of invasive species and promote indigenous ones like ‘Amla,’ ‘Sheesham,’ ‘Chinar,’ ‘Kachnar,’ and ‘Acacia Khair.’

They also highlighted the invasive nature of other species like Ipil-ipil and ‘carrot grass’ and recommended their removal as well.

The Ministry of Climate Change has been tasked with implementing such a policy and circulating it among the provinces for possible legislation.

Furthermore, the CDA has been directed to develop a strategy for the future plantation of indigenous species and the removal of invasive ones. The court has also urged the CDA to address the issue of natural streams being converted into sewage drains in Islamabad.

The court’s decision includes provisions for ongoing expert guidance during the removal process and calls for a meeting between the CDA and expert foresters to plan the removal of paper mulberry trees.

The proceedings have been postponed for two months to allow the CDA time for the plantation of substitute trees after the removal of paper mulberries. Additionally, the CDA has the option to engage the services of experts if needed.