Overview
- Officials began planting at Shakarparian, reporting 450 saplings on day one and setting targets of 1,400 this winter, 30,000 at the site by spring 2026, and 200,000 citywide.
- CDA leaders say only paper mulberry was removed under a 2023 Supreme Court directive and that indigenous species will replace it at a three-to-one ratio.
- Environmental activists and residents dispute the species and scale of felling, alleging indigenous trees such as Sheesham were cut and calling for an independent, science-based audit.
- The interior minister asked CDA for a detailed account covering species removed, affected areas, and related development projects to assess compliance and accountability.
- Tree cutting has also been reported along the H-8 greenbelt and Park Road, linked to park redevelopment, road dualisation, and infrastructure for the Margalla Enclave housing scheme, with critics raising EIA concerns.