Islamabad set for a green makeover, CDA rolls out citywide plantation drive

The initiative, being led by the CDA Environment Wing, covers major roads, interchanges, green belts, parks, public spaces and other key locations

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has stepped up efforts to enhance Islamabad’s greenery with a major plantation and landscaping campaign aimed at making the federal capital cleaner, greener and more environmentally sustainable.

The initiative, being led by the CDA Environment Wing, covers major roads, interchanges, green belts, parks, public spaces and other key locations throughout the city. Officials say the campaign is designed not only to improve Islamabad’s appearance but also to strengthen its environmental resilience.

A prominent feature of the ongoing drive is the plantation of Tabebuia trees at Serena Interchange. Famous for their striking pink blossoms, the trees are expected to create a colorful landscape at one of the capital’s important entry points when they reach full bloom.

According to CDA officials, the plantation programme forms part of a broader strategy to expand green cover, improve air quality and provide more shaded and comfortable public spaces. The authority is also working to develop attractive green corridors along major roads and around important interchanges.

Rather than focusing solely on seasonal plantation, the Environment Wing is adopting a long-term approach that takes into account the suitability of plantation sites, landscape planning, tree diversity and continued maintenance. The objective is to ensure that newly planted trees survive and contribute to the city’s greenery for years to come.

The CDA has also called on residents, educational institutions, businesses and civil society organisations to play their part in protecting trees and maintaining public green spaces. The authority stressed that preserving Islamabad’s natural environment requires cooperation between government institutions and citizens.

“Every tree planted today is an investment in tomorrow’s Islamabad,” the authority said, emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining the capital’s green character.

The expanded plantation campaign is expected to add more color and greenery to Islamabad while supporting efforts to create healthier and more sustainable urban spaces. Through continued landscaping and environmental initiatives, the CDA aims to reinforce Islamabad’s reputation as a city where modern development and nature can coexist.