World’s largest urban forest to be planted along Lyari, Malir rivers in Karachi

The world’s largest urban forest will be planted along the Lyari River over an area of 26 kilometres, and this project will soon be inaugurated by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

This was announced by Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Sindh’s minister for local government and forests, during his visit to the river on Monday. He vowed to ensure that only environment-friendly trees that bear fruits will be planted.

Shah told the media that the project has been initiated according to the vision of the PPP chief, and that the first phase of the project will be initiated at the bank of the Lyari River, while in the second phase the urban forest will be planted along the Malir River.

The minister directed the authorities concerned to make the arrangements for setting up recreational facilities for the citizens as part of the project. He also ordered building small playgrounds for children as well as a jogging track.

He said that planting an urban forest along the rivers will turn the entire area into an attractive spot for local and foreign tourists. He added that such urban forests will also be planted in other parts of the city.

Shah said that apart from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan, other political parties are also supporting the provincial government in the project. He also announced constructing football and boxing grounds and volleyball and basketball courts for the children of the city so they can involve themselves in healthy activities.

The minister said that due to climate change and the ever-increasing temperature of Karachi, it is necessary to plant more trees. He asked the citizens not to litter in any part of the city, especially in forest areas. He said that action will be taken again those who litter.

District West Deputy Commissioner Fayaz Solangi, West District Municipal Corporation Chairman Izharuddin, Chief Conservator Ijaz Nizami and Divisional Forest Officer Maqsood Ahmed also accompanied the forests minister.