KARACHI: Nearly 70-year-old trees are being replanted at Karbala Ground in Korangi No. 6 after several mature trees were uprooted, allegedly by a land-grabbing mafia.
The restoration project involves environmental organisations from Islamabad and Karachi, which are working together to return the surviving trees to their original location and provide long-term care.
According to Khawaja Mazhar Iqbal, head of Save the Trees, the trunks and roots of nine banyan and peepal trees remain fresh and in good condition despite being uprooted. Both species are considered resilient and can survive transplantation when handled and maintained properly.
The Karachi Development Authority (KDA) has granted permission for the trees to be replanted at Karbala Ground. Workers will prepare large and deep pits at the locations where the trees originally stood.
Before replanting, the soil will undergo termite treatment to help protect the trees and create better conditions for their roots to establish.
The organisations involved will monitor the trees closely after transplantation and provide regular care to support new growth and recovery.
Environmental activists have welcomed the initiative, saying it could help preserve some of Karachi’s oldest trees and restore greenery to the area. They also hope the project will increase public awareness about protecting mature trees, which can take decades to replace naturally.
