NHA Cuts Down Trees Along Hub River Road for Widening Project in Karachi

KARACHI: The National Highway Authority (NHA) has commenced cutting down hundreds of semi-mature neem trees along the Hub River Road as part of its road-widening initiative. This action comes at a time when Karachi is grappling with a significant decline in its tree cover, raising concerns among environmentalists and residents alike.

NHA officials assert that the trees were planted on land under their jurisdiction and that the local town administration was duly informed about the road rehabilitation and widening plans prior to the plantation drive. Asad Mehmood, assistant director of maintenance at NHA, stated, “In the first phase, even before the plantation drive, we informed the town municipality about our road rehabilitation plan as it was due because the public needed it.” He emphasized that only a limited number of trees have been removed in the current phase of development.

This decision to cut down trees has sparked outrage among local communities who are already concerned about the city’s dwindling green cover. Environmentalists warn that such actions could exacerbate the urban heat island effect and contribute to air pollution, further impacting the quality of life in Karachi.

Looking ahead, the NHA plans to continue its road-widening project, which is expected to improve traffic flow in the area. However, the agency faces mounting pressure to address environmental concerns and explore alternatives that could mitigate the loss of greenery.