Sat Sep 14 00:55:52 UTC 2024: ## Sindh High Court Orders Karachi Mayor to Account for Tree Planting

**KARACHI, Pakistan** – The Sindh High Court (SHC) has ordered Karachi Mayor to provide details of the city’s tree planting efforts over the past five years and to present a specific policy for replanting trees cut down for the Red Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project.

This directive stems from a petition filed against the removal of numerous trees on University Road for the construction of the Red Line BRT corridor. The petition claims that hundreds of old trees have been removed, raising concerns about the environmental impact and the city’s dwindling green spaces.

The SHC acknowledged the city’s expansion and its impact on tree cover, directing the Sindh Forest Department to submit a report on the applicability of existing plantation laws in urban areas.

The court also instructed the BRT project contractor to be added as a respondent in the case, as the petition alleges the contractor is obligated to relocate or replant trees according to contract terms.

While the petitioners claim that 50,000 trees will be felled for the 26-kilometer project, the transport authorities refute this claim, stating only 4,000 trees will be removed and that the contractor is bound to relocate or plant five trees for every one removed.

The court will hold the Karachi Mayor accountable for providing the requested information and will require his personal appearance if he fails to submit the report. The SHC also directed the Forest Department to assist the court in determining ownership of trees within the city.

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