Ancient trees felled in Korangi, KDA stays silent

The Karachi Development Authority (KDA) Parks Department has refused to register a case over the cutting and

The Karachi Development Authority (KDA) Parks Department has refused to register a case over the cutting and uprooting of decades-old trees at Karbala Ground in Korangi No. 6.

Around 70 to 80-year-old banyan, neem and other trees were reportedly removed from the ground several days ago. Environmental experts said trees of such age should have been treated as natural heritage and protected rather than destroyed.

The incident falls within the jurisdiction of Landhi Town, which has also denied responsibility for the illegal activity. Under the Sindh Plantation Protection Ordinance 2002, the Sindh Local Government Department and its relevant institutions are responsible for protecting trees in parks located in urban areas.

Landhi Town Chairman said an alleged land-grabbing group was behind the removal of the trees. He claimed that the police and KDA had been informed about the activity, but no effective action was taken to stop it.

Videos obtained by local media reportedly showed police personnel present when the trees were being removed. Residents also alleged that the tree-cutting operation took place under police protection.

According to the Sindh Forest Department, the trees removed included four wild keekar trees, three conocarpus trees, one neem tree and seven banyan trees.

KDA Director Parks Shakeel Ahmed Khan said the authority would not take legal action, arguing that it was the responsibility of the relevant police station. He said the land belonged to the KDA, while illegal activity on the land was the responsibility of the concerned town administration and police.

Khan added that the KDA would take action if its land was illegally occupied.

The position has raised concerns among environmentalists, who questioned whether the authorities were focusing on protecting the land while ignoring the trees growing on it.

Experts said the Sindh High Court had imposed restrictions on tree cutting across the province in 2024. Under the court’s directives, the Karachi mayor was specifically instructed to ensure that no tree was cut in the city unless it was absolutely necessary. In cases where cutting was unavoidable, permission from the sessions judge of the relevant district was required.

Environmental experts warned that the KDA’s lack of action could put the remaining trees at further risk. They feared that groups involved in alleged encroachment could also target the trees that are still standing.