ISLAMABAD: In a collaborative effort to enhance the greenery and environmental quality of the city, Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Noorul Amin Mengal, accompanied by President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari and Director General (DG) of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) Farzana Altaf Shah, inaugurated a tree plantation drive at Islamabad’s upscale commercial hub, F-6 Markaz. The officials planted saplings in the Supermarket area as a symbolic commencement of the initiative.
The event saw the presence of notables including Shahzad Shabbir Abbasi, President of F-6 Markaz Traders Welfare Association, Aqib Abbasi, Secretary General, as well as Khalid Chaudhry, Saifur Rahman Khan, Akhtar Abbasi, Malik Shabbir Awan, Imtiaz Abbasi, and other esteemed participants, as detailed in a press release issued on Sunday.
During the visit, Chairman CDA, Chamber President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, DG of EPA Farzana Altaf Shah, and representatives of the Traders Association explored the market premises and assessed ongoing developmental activities. The Chairman issued directives to expedite the ongoing projects and to push forward with other impending initiatives. Addressing the gathering, he stated, “Our inspection of the development work extends to other markets in the near future.” He also revealed plans for the embellishment and beautification of the Zero Point Bridge under ICCI’s purview.
Chairman CDA tasked the CDA’s Director of Environment with spearheading the market-based tree plantation drive in collaboration with ICCI. Furthermore, he committed to personally oversee visits to these markets.
Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President of ICCI, highlighted the collaborative efforts undertaken in previous years, where thousands of saplings were planted across Islamabad in partnership with CDA. He reaffirmed ICCI’s commitment, along with CDA and relevant market associations, to expand the tree plantation initiative within markets, fostering a greener and healthier environment for Islamabad. Bakhtawari emphasized the importance of not only planting new trees but also establishing strategies for the proper maintenance of mature trees to ensure their longevity. He suggested tagging mature trees for accurate age assessment and implementing special care regimens to preserve them effectively. Bakhtawari urged market association representatives to wholeheartedly support CDA’s endeavors to enhance Islamabad’s aesthetic appeal.
Farzana Altaf Shah, DG of EPA, emphasized the significance of tree planting in combatting the adverse effects of climate change on urban areas. She commended ICCI’s joint efforts with CDA and trade associations to initiate the tree plantation drive, which she anticipates will contribute to a healthier environment for Islamabad.
Shahzad Shabbir Abbasi, President of the Supermarket Association, pledged full cooperation for the successful execution of the plantation campaign. Abbasi also stressed the need for upgrading aging sewage lines in markets to accommodate the growing population and prevent blockages.
(Islamabad51-Newsdesk)
