670 trees transplanted for Metro Bus project

Another 125 to be relocated as authorities establish tree transplantation orchard

FAISALABAD:

As many as 670 mature trees affected by the Faisalabad Metro Bus project have been transplanted at three locations, while work on relocating another 125 trees is progressing, officials said.

Of the transplanted trees, 367 have been shifted to Kaleem Shaheed Park, 166 to Bagh-e-Jinnah and 137 to Dhobi Ghat Ground (Iqbal Park).

Project Director Punjab Mass Transit Authority and former Punjab chief secretary Capt (retd) Zahid Saeed visited the Tree Transplantation Orchard at Bagh-e-Jinnah, where Commissioner Faisalabad Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh briefed him on the initiative.

Managing Director Horticulture Agency Dilawar Khan and other officials were also present.

Zahid Saeed appreciated the transplantation of trees affected by the Metro Bus Project and said the commissioner had taken a keen interest in ensuring their timely relocation and care.

He expressed hope that the transplanted trees would regain their greenery by next spring and transform the site into a model orchard.

He urged horticulture agencies in other districts to adopt the initiative, saying trees affected by development projects should be relocated to designated sites rather than felled.

He also appreciated the efforts of the Faisalabad Horticulture Agency and said he would revisit the orchard.

Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh said each tree at what he described as Pakistan's first Tree Transplantation Orchard was being carefully monitored to ensure its survival and growth.

He added that people visiting Bagh-e-Jinnah for morning and evening walks had shown considerable interest in the orchard and appreciated the efforts to preserve and relocate the trees.

He reiterated that no tree would be allowed to go to waste in Faisalabad Division and said the authorities were committed to improving the environment in line with the Punjab government's vision.

Separately, a meeting chaired by Zahid Saeed and the commissioner at the Commissioner's Office reviewed progress on relocating utility services belonging to various departments along the Metro Bus Project routes.

The meeting was informed about the relocation of installations and infrastructure belonging to Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) and the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA).

The commissioner said the relevant departments had been mobilised to shift electricity poles, gas installations and water and sewerage services.

He added that he would personally inspect the relocation of WASA pipelines.

Zahid Saeed directed the departments concerned to ensure all necessary safety measures during construction work along the project routes.

He said all departments were coordinating to expedite the relocation of utility services and complete the project within the stipulated timeframe.

The commissioner also directed that water sprinkling along the project routes be ensured every four hours in view of the anticipated smog season.

Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Nauman Siddique, Punjab Mass Transit Authority Director Danish Raza, Deputy Director Dilshad Ahmed, Director Development Asif Chohan, WASA Managing Director Saqib Raza, Horticulture Agency Managing Director Dilawar Khan and representatives of FESCO, SNGPL, NESPAK, Traffic Police and other departments attended the meeting.