Karachi: Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab has announced the inauguration of the Urban Forest project at EBM Causeway Shahrah-e-Bhutto, with an ambitious target to plant 100,000 trees across the city. The initiative aims to make Karachi greener and more environmentally sustainable, urging citizens to participate in the Green Karachi campaign by planting trees.

According to Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, the project has already seen the plantation of 10,000 trees, featuring neem, gulmohar, and other indigenous species suited to Karachi’s climate. The Urban Forest will help mitigate air pollution, reduce the city’s temperature, and enhance oxygen levels, while providing a habitat for birds and wildlife.

Mayor Wahab emphasized the importance of addressing climate change, citing the rising temperatures in Karachi as a clear indication of global warming. He highlighted the need for responsible leadership to prioritize future environmental sustainability and noted that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation is actively engaged in large-scale plantation drives.

He directed the Parks Department to establish green zones in all seven districts of Karachi and called on citizens to join the tree plantation campaign as an act of ongoing charity. Additionally, Mayor Wahab mentioned the progress on infrastructure projects like Shahrah-e-Bhutto, which is set to be inaugurated this month, reducing travel time significantly.

The mayor also touched upon the development of an 80-acre Inclusive City and the completion of other major infrastructure projects, reinforcing his commitment to urban development. He expressed gratitude to Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and the Chief Minister of Sindh for their support in securing necessary funds for these initiatives.

Addressing the 28th Amendment, Mayor Wahab clarified that no proposal is currently under consideration, urging caution against assumptions. He stressed the importance of collaborative efforts among various institutions to resolve Karachi’s complex issues and pledged to take strict action against any irregularities that may arise.