The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has announced a large-scale campaign to remove mulberry trees from Islamabad, replacing them with thousands of native plants to improve air quality and curb pollen allergies.
The decision was made during a high-level meeting chaired by CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa at the CDA headquarters. Environmental experts, including Rizwan Mahboob and specialists from the Baku team, as well as senior officials from the Environment Wing, were also present.
Pollen allergy, mainly caused by the paper mulberry trees, affects thousands of residents in Islamabad each spring, making it difficult for many to breathe and function normally. The city is home to thousands of these trees, yet previous efforts to remove them had remained largely unfulfilled, with only a minor initiative in F-9 Park last year.
During the meeting, officials revealed that around 10,000 paper mulberry trees would be removed from Shakarparian, and 50,000 indigenous trees would be planted in their place. Likewise, another 1,000 paper mulberry trees lining Islamabad’s roads and drains would be replaced with 80,000 local trees. The campaign will also extend to residential sectors, where 10,000 mulberry trees will be replaced with 50,000 new trees.
Read more: Largest Tree Plantation Drive launched by CDA to plant 4 million trees on Margalla Hills
Chairman Randhawa emphasized that the CDA is committed to addressing the pollen allergy crisis and will ensure the swift removal of all paper mulberry trees. To maintain ecological balance, only native and beneficial plants—such as loquat, guava, fig, apricot, peepal, and indigenous mulberry—will be planted in their place.
The initiative will also involve public participation. Schools, colleges, and universities will be engaged to encourage students and teachers to take part in the tree-planting drive. The private and corporate sectors are also being encouraged to contribute. Additionally, private housing societies will be required to promote afforestation, and plant stalls will be set up in low-cost markets under the Ramazan Relief Package.
For reforestation in the Margalla Hills, Chairman Randhawa proposed innovative techniques such as aerial seed dropping via helicopters.
Randhawa also gave instructions to the CDA for publishing a list of suitable tree species on its website to give awareness to the public regarding the massive significance of the trees or plants.
With this extensive effort, the CDA hopes to create a healthier environment for Islamabad’s residents while restoring the city’s natural beauty.