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ISLAMABAD, Feb 03 (APP):The Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Tuesday informed the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that the paper mulberry trees are being eliminated in capital with the approval of the competent authority.
The CDA submitted its 6-page response to the court in the case against the cutting of trees in the federal capital.
The report said that the IHC directed the formation of a committee on the environment in 2022. Other institutions, including the Environmental Protection Agency, were included in the committee.
A committee meeting was held in 2023 regarding the elimination of pollen allergies, and then a public hearing was also held on why the felling of paper mulberry trees is necessary. There is also scientific research on the felling of paper mulberry trees to prevent the spread of pollen allergies, it said.
Journalist Saleem Safi also wrote an article in this regard in 2024 regarding the elimination of pollen allergies. The Prime Minister’s Office took notice and also directed the CDA to take steps.
The CDA said that this decision was not made in haste, but after the decisions, research, and meetings of the higher judiciary, the decision was made with the approval of the Prime Minister’s Office. By cutting paper mulberry trees, Eco-friendly trees were planted in their place.
It further said that tree-felling matters are handled through regular transparent tenders. If any affected party is involved, they can approach the court. Paper mulberry trees were felled along the Islamabad Highway in 2022 as well.
It said that the government has approved the construction of a monument of Marka-e-Haq. The CDA handed over the land to the Planning Ministry before the project started. The trees have been shifted from this place to other places, including Shakar Parian.
In its response, the CDA also requested that the application to stop the felling of trees be rejected.