KARACHI: Sindh High Court (SHC) was informed that trees cut for Red Line bus project in Karachi will be compensated with plantation of over 16,000 trees.

Contractor’s lawyer told high court in hearing of petition against tree-cutting that 1,564 trees were cut from Malir Halt to Mosmiat, adding that 75 percent of these trees were Cono carpus. “We have to plant over 16,000 trees as replacement. We will plant Gulmohar (Royal Poinciana), Sukhchain (Indian Beech) and Neem trees,” lawyer informed court. “Which tree is Sukhchain, if it is used to be planted in Karachi, city has no Sukh neither Chain,” Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput said. “Neem, Bargad (Banyan) and Peepal are local trees,” bench observed. “Instead of cutting trees, why not transfer clause was added in project’s contract,” Justice Rajput questioned. Secretary Transport informed court that 2,000 trees are being prepared in nursery that will be planted after completion of Red Line bus project corridor.

Bench also remarked that parrots have been vanished from Karachi, this will happen when eco system will be destroyed. Court granted one week’s time for report about trees which are beneficial to local climate. Bench also summoned forest department authorities and adjourned case hearing until October 29. Cutting of trees amid extreme weather events has been seen as step that will further aggravate climate woes of city including prolonged heatwaves and extreme temperatures.