Karachi: Banyan trees declared protected heritage

Banyan trees have been declared as ‘protected heritage’ of Karachi, according to a new administrative order issued by the commissioner’s office on Saturday.

According to the notification, in Karachi, the Banyan trees are in danger of being chopped, discarded and becoming extinct because of negligence and deliberate cutting by “unscrupulous elements”.

Reportedly, this move comes after directions given by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.

All deputy commissioners of the metropolis are instructed to survey the old Banyan Trees in Clifton and other areas of Karachi and make a directory with numbers and symbols.

The rapid urbanization of the metropolis resulted in the cutting of Banyan trees in vast numbers. Now in Karachi the Banyan trees urgently need support from nearby communities, stakeholders, and government.

These trees now exist only on few certain areas of Karachi including Karachi Zoological Garden and Old Clifton area. Many of the Banyan trees were chopped off from the roadsides due to the construction of certain fly overs and buildings.

Let’s hope with this step authorities will also consider the need for plantation drive for the concrete jungle of the metropolis.