Worshipped in some countries, the banyan and fig trees face death in the city

Trees suffer due to escalated levels of pollution.

KARACHI:

Tall, healthy looking trees that once used to line Club Road appear to be dying due to the increased levels of pollution along this route. This means that the oldest trees in the city might face being cut if needed.

These trees - that shade hotels, the Rangers Headquarters and Chief Minister House - cover more than half of the road and are also in severe danger of the gushing winds and tremors caused by heavy vehicles.

The banyan and sacred fig tree, which usually live up to 100 years, are like many other ancient species that can be found in Saddar. Most of these trees have turned black because of smoke emissions.

Residents made an effort to save them by e-mailing the local municipal administration, but nothing was done. “Dead trees will be uprooted with prior approval from parks and horticulture director general Liaquat Ali Rajput and the city administrator,” said Saddar Town deputy district officer Anwar Kamal.

“Cutting trees is a sensitive matter so we have prepared a note sheet for the city administrator’s approval. These dead trees should be removed in the next couple of days,” he said. According to Kamal, this matter primarily comes under the parks and horticulture department of the Saddar Town municipal administration. However, Muhammad Azad Khan, the City District Government Karachi parks and horticulture department deputy director, differs in opinion. He claims that Club Road is within the precincts of Saddar so there is no need for the city administrator’s or the parks and horticulture department’s approval.

Trim trees to save trees

A trimming of the trees has been planned by the town municipal administration. “It is necessary to carry out the trimming before the monsoon season starts. This is done to prevent trees from being uprooted by heavy winds and pressure from torrential rains,” Kamal explained.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 29^th, 2011.