Freshly planted tabebuia trees ‘stolen’ from Rashid Minhas Road

KMC dept to seek police action against theft of 80 saplings

KARACHI:

At least 80 tabebuia trees planted by the district authorities on Rashid Minhas Road were allegedly stolen on Sunday. The city administration has decided to lodge an FIR pertaining to the theft.

Almost six-feet-long, the tabebuia plants, which are considered one of the most expensive and beautiful plants, were planted on Friday during a plantation drive in the city. The seedlings had been donated to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporations Parks and Horticulture Department.

"Taking away [newly] plants is not a new thing," said Taha Saleem, the Parks and Horticulture director-general. "But this time we will lodge a police complaint."

In a tweet on Sunday, Saleem had said that a police FIR will be lodged against the persons involved in the theft. "I feel absolutely disgusted to report theft of Tabubia planted three days ago," he said.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Saleem said that surveillance has been enhanced to monitor plantations on different roads, including Rashid Minhas Road. "We have also asked our partners for support."

By Saleem's account, the incident occurred over the weekend as there was no one present to look after the newly planted trees. He added that in other cases when plants are stolen his department typically does not take stern action. But, he said, the department needs to have strong mechanisms in place to ensure such crimes are thwarted.

The KMC department claims to have planted at least 13, 672 saplings across the city under its recent plantation drive, which is to continue till April 15.

The roads included in the campaign are six of the city's main thoroughfares, namely, Sharae Faisal, Sharae Quaideen, Sharae Pakistan, the Korangi Industrial Road, University Road and Rashid Minhas Road.

"This usually happens because people do not value the presence of trees," said Ahmed Ali, a commuter present near the site. He added that those who steal the trees take them with the intent to sell them. "I don't think people have the space to plants these trees," he added, however.

Meanwhile, Saleem said that the district authorities, according to their agreement with different partners - from civil society and businesses, were committed to looking after the maintenance of freshly planted saplings. "The plants are sponsored by the partners and they also have to support us in surveillance."

Despite the theft, tabebuia plants were planted on the same spot by Monday evening. The approximate price of a single plant is Rs1,000.

Different people, including social activists and politicians have condemned the theft of the trees. In a tweet, Advisor to Sindh Chief Minister on Environment and Coastal Development Murtaza Wahab, said: "This is so sad. When we will become responsible citizens?"

Published in The Express Tribune, April 6^th, 2021.