Ancient trees rise again after Korangi land grab bid

12 of 25 banyan, peepal trees replanted; residents seek action against those behind alleged felling

KARACHI:

For decades, their sprawling branches offered shade to generations of children and families. Then, in broad daylight, electric saws tore through the trunks of Karbala Ground's 50- to 90-year-old banyan and peepal trees, allegedly to clear the way for an encroachment bid.

Nine days later, 12 of the felled trees have been given a second chance, painstakingly replanted in the ground they once shaded - while 13 others have already been lost.

"Save the Tree", a non-governmental organisation, subsequently began an effort to revive and replant the trees. Tanveer Ahmed, who supervised the operation, said 25 trees had been chopped in total, but only 12 were found capable of regeneration.

"Several trees could not be revived because they remained exposed to the open air and intense sunlight for eight to nine days," Ahmed said.

He added that cranes and other heavy machinery were used to reposition the surviving trunks at their original locations. The damaged sections were also technically trimmed, while fertiliser and various chemicals were being used to facilitate regeneration.

Ahmed said the replanted trees would be regularly monitored and treated with specific chemicals in an effort to help them regain foliage. Their survival, however, would depend on their condition, the extent of damage to their roots and continued care.

Residents alleged that the trees were felled in broad daylight rather than under the cover of darkness. They also claimed that people who attempted to resist the cutting were subjected to violence.

A resident, Faisal, said the alleged attempt to occupy the ground was not the first. He said a similar attempt had been made in 2020 but was thwarted after residents resisted.

Residents further alleged that more than a dozen police vehicles from two police stations were present during the latest incident alongside the alleged encroachers.

Karbala Ground is one of the few recreational spaces in the area and has two cricket pitches and a football ground. Residents said large numbers of children and young people regularly use the facility.

They said the mature trees provided shade and a place of respite for families, particularly during the summer and prolonged power outages.

Residents have demanded an investigation to identify those behind the alleged encroachment attempt and the felling of the trees, as well as legal action against those responsible.

They also called for a boundary wall to be constructed around the ground to prevent future encroachments and demanded that indigenous trees be planted to replace those that were lost.

Residents said the trees also provided habitat for local and migratory birds. Sparrows, parrots, mynas and cuckoos have been seen nesting in them, while the area's proximity to the coast also attracts seabirds and migratory species from colder regions.