Expressway expansion: Saplings to be planted

ISLAMABAD:

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) aims to plant a number of saplings along both sides of the Islamabad Expressway under its ongoing highway expansion project.

CDA spokesperson Ramzan Sajid said the authority will follow the Environment Protection Agency’s guidelines by planting four times more trees than are removed in various areas of the capital.

He said the civic agency will attempt to mitigate damage to the environment during the project by planting four saplings against each tree that is cut down in the greenbelts, as well as on both sides of the highway.

He also said an environmental impact assessment is in progress under the guidance of a leading environmental agency. Work on widening the Islamabad Expressway began on July 1. 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 30^th, 2015.