Overview
- After a review meeting led by Climate Minister Dr Musadik Malik, authorities reiterated that only paper mulberry is being cut to curb pollen-related health issues.
- CDA Deputy Director General Irfan Khan Niazi said 29,115 paper mulberry trees have been removed so far, with each to be replaced by three native saplings including some mature transplants to speed canopy recovery.
- The operation is confined to pockets with over 90% paper mulberry density, notably Shakarparian, F-9 Park, and parts of the H-8 and H-9 sectors.
- Dr Malik said the effort follows earlier Supreme Court directions, and officials pledged open procedures, SOP compliance and oversight under environmental laws.
- Responding to public criticism over large-scale cutting, CDA has started an off-season plantation in January targeting 30,000 saplings, arguing species such as Chir Pine can withstand winter planting.