Over 23,000 Karachi Trees Threatened: Green Cost of Red Line?
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Karachi's Green Cover at Risk
By Hunain Ameen
- Jan 05, 2023
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Amra Javed, a social worker, reflects on the fate of trees in her drawing room, holding what remains of once vibrant plants: "I collected these from under the sesame plant and some trees," she says, "and look! They are still so aesthetically pleasing!"
Her story underscores the larger concern regarding Karachi’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, specifically the impact on the city's greenery. Recalling the 9,000 trees lost during the construction of the Green Line – the first BRT line developed over 15 years ago under the Karachi Breeze project – Javed expresses her sorrow:
"It is depressing to even talk about rehabilitating the city landscape now after so many heartbreaks on part of ill-conceived state policies and lukewarm efforts."
Javed, with four decades of environmental activism behind her, highlights the lack of concerted action in transplanting trees removed during development projects. She notes that:
"Barely any transplantation plan has seen the light of day. In my experience, the rate of successful transplants is almost zero."
The Green Line BRT project, according to official records, led to the loss of over 7,000 trees. While estimates vary, Javed argues for a much higher number. Despite promises, only four trees were reportedly transplanted.
An NDVI study by Karachi Urban Lab suggests a 40% decline in the city’s intermediate green cover. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for sustainable urban planning that prioritizes the environment.