Urban forest a gift for citizens of Rawalpindi
In a bid to supplement local wildlife habitat and increase the city’s green cover, the Rawalpindi Development Authority has finally decided to launch its long-awaited urban forestry project. Under this project, a variety of indigenous fruit trees of the Photohar region, including a record number of 10,000 guava, grape, amla, blackberry and apricot saplings, are to be planted on a three acre land at Rialto Park alongside Murree Road. In doing so, the authority plans to create a dense urban forest at the entrance of the city, for which a formal approval has been passed and work is due to begin from next week.
According to Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) Chairperson Tariq Murtaza, the urban forestry project had been in the pipelines for quite some time. “Now that everything in the regard has been finalised, plantation in the area can start in the next 10 days. I will personally supervise the project and regular financial duties will be imposed to protect the plants,” he told.
All trees to be planted are expected to start bearing fruit in a span of two years, during which they will grow between eight to ten feet in height.
Along with fruit trees, flowering plants like rose, jasmine and Raat ki Raani, as well as a lush bed of grass is also to be added to the forest. This, according to RDA, will create will provide the optimal environment for breeding of wild birds, bees and a variety of butterflies as well as offer citizens a clean and green breathing space in the midst of their city.
Talking about access and gate-keeping, Murtaza said that the urban forest will be enclosed by fences from all sides and entries will only be made through a single main gate.
The family-friendly forest will feature adequate sidewalks, walking tracks and benches, to encourage visitors to utilise the park as a place to rest, exercise or enjoy nature. In addition to that, there will also be lights and close-circuit cameras installed across the park to monitor the place and make visitor experience as safe as possible. “Entry will be difficult for children without accompanying adults. There will also be a foolproof security system and no food stalls will be allowed within the forest boundaries.”
The RDA Chairperson further informed The Express Tribune that there are also plans to decorate the forest’s entrance with artwork reflecting the culture and traditions of the Pothohar region.
“This forest of fruit trees will be a gift for the citizens of Rawalpindi. Thus not a single penny will be spent on it from the public exchequer and the installation of plants will be completed by August 31. After that, it will be maintained regularly, so that the woodland’s flora and fauna keeps looking its best,” he asserted.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 18th, 2020.