FAISALABAD:As many as 670 mature trees affected by the Metrobus project routes at three designated sites have been transplanted successfully while efforts are underway to relocate the remaining 125 trees to preserve green cover of the city amid infrastructure development.
The transplanted trees include 367 at Kaleem Shaheed Park, 166 at Bagh-e-Jinnah and 137 at Dhobi Ghat Ground (Iqbal Park), where special arrangements have been made to ensure their survival and healthy growth.
Project Director Punjab Mass Transit Authority and former Punjab Chief Secretary Captain (retired) Zahid Saeed visited the tree transplantation orchard at Bagh-e-Jinnah to review progress of the initiative.
Divisional Commissioner Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh briefed him about the objectives of establishing the tree transplantation orchard and the measures being taken to protect and nurture the relocated trees.
Managing Director Horticulture Agency Dilawar Khan and other officers were also present on the occasion.
Captain (retired) Zahid Saeed appreciated the initiative of relocating trees affected by the Faisalabad Metrobus Project to designated sites instead of cutting them down, saying the commissioner had taken a keen personal interest in ensuring their swift transplantation.
He expressed confidence that the transplanted trees would regain their lush green appearance by the coming spring and gradually transform the designated sites into magnificent orchards, adding that the initiative reflected a responsible approach towards balancing urban development with environmental protection.
He emphasized that horticulture agencies in other districts should also adopt similar measures, as development projects were underway across the province and often affected mature trees.
Their relocation to suitable sites was essential to protect the environment and preserve valuable green assets, he added.
The project director also appreciated the ongoing efforts of the Horticulture Agency and said that he would revisit the orchard to review the progress of the transplanted trees.
Divisional Commissioner Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh said that special care was being taken of every tree at Pakistan’s first tree transplantation orchard to ensure its survival and healthy growth.
He said that the initiative had received an encouraging response from the community particularly residents who regularly visited Bagh-e-Jinnah for morning and evening walks and had shown keen interest in the establishment and development of the orchard.