The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to remove all wild mulberry trees from Pakistan’s capital, replacing them with thousands of indigenous plants to address severe pollen allergy issues.
The decision was made during a meeting at CDA headquarters, chaired by CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa. The meeting was attended by environmental expert Rizwan Mehboob, Baku team environmental specialists, and senior officials from the CDA’s environment wing.
During the briefing, experts emphasized that a significant number of Islamabad residents suffer from pollen allergies annually, particularly in spring. The wild mulberry trees are a primary contributor to this problem, affecting the health of thousands.
Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa has directed the removal of over 10,000 wild mulberry trees in Shakarparian and ordered their replacement with eco-friendly indigenous species.
Pollen is a fine powder released by trees, plants, and grasses as part of their reproductive process. However, pollen from wild mulberry trees spreads through the air and has been identified as a leading cause of severe respiratory allergies and asthma-related issues in Islamabad.
For decades, residents of Islamabad have endured severe pollen allergies every spring due to these trees. The CDA’s latest decision aims to improve air quality and reduce allergy-related health problems by replacing the trees with three new environment-friendly plant species.
This initiative is expected to bring significant health benefits to the residents of Islamabad, especially during February and March, when pollen levels peak.
