Cantonment city due for a green facelift

Last year, the federal government had launched its Clean Green Pakistan initiative to combat environmental degradation in the country’s most densely populated areas, where pollution levels had been at an all-time high. A significant part of the Prime Minister’s campaign involved mobilising local bodies and district governments to hold mass plantation drives, in a bid to introduce more green spaces in congested urban centres.

Extending the program to the garrison city, the local development authority has decided to increase Rawalpindi’s green cover by conducting multiple plantation drives across target areas. Under the project, Rawalpindi’s oldest neighbourhoods including Gawalmandi, Mohalla Waris Khan, Jhangi Mohalla, Committee Chowk, Dhok Khaba, Rata Amral, Mohhanpura, Bhapra Bazaar and Sarafa Bazaar, will be due for a much needed green facelift. As per development plans, all pots, planters and baskets required for the plantation drive will be provided by the Punjab Parks and Horticulture Department. While various seasonal and flowering plants will be introduced to the city’s green spaces, to not only combat pollution but also add to the city’s visual appeal.

According to Rawalpindi Development Authority Chairperson Raja Tariq Murtaza, the implementation of the Clean Green Initiative by his department will change the city’s map for the better. The introduction of fuller green spaces will help the city breathe, provide shade in hot summer months and appear pleasant to the eye. “Rawalpindi is a historic city, where there is a story as old as time in every neighbourhood. Each alley here has its own characteristic appeal and we plan to upgrade the city in a way that doesn’t take away from its history or character. Afforestation is a great step in that direction,” said Murtaza. “Our citizens have exemplary civic sense and in the future, we hope to further extend the Clean Green program, once it has yielded results in the initial target areas,” he added.

Speaking to The Express Tribune about the plantation drive, social worker Abdual Aziz said that the city’s Murree Road and Galyaat are also areas where the authorities should consider extending its initiative. “We could use some more air-purifying trees here, it would help combat the rising levels of toxins in the atmosphere and improve overall air quality,” he commented.

Also speaking on the matter, Senior Horticulture Officer Akhtar Rasool said that plants are known have a positive effect on human development, which is why his department has decided to aid the plantation drive through provision of a variety of evergreen plants. “We had observed a rise in Islamabad and Rawalpindi’s air quality levels during the height of the coronavirus lockdown. But that only lasted so long, and the return of traffic on the streets has once again decreased our air quality. Evergreens are great in this regard, they can help absorb toxins from the air and release a lot of oxygen.”