12 January 2004	Monday	19 Ziqa'ad 1424

ISLAMABAD, Jan 11: Several environmental protection agencies have expressed their concern over gradual eradication of paper mulberry trees from the green belts of the federal capital.

These agencies said the cutting of these trees at huge level will exacerbate environmental problems and spoil the scenic beauty of Islamabad. According to details, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has started a drive for removal of paper mulberry trees from the green belts and has cut down over 10,000 trees on Kashmir Highway and service roads in G-9 and G-10.

It has been learnt that the Capital Development Authority has earned millions of rupees from the sale of mulberry trees auctioned to a private group. The citizens said the cutting down of paper mulberry trees will ruin the greenery of the city.

A medical expert told the agency that though paper mulberry trees contributed to spread of the air-borne diseases, it was not the only source of pollen allergy. However, sources at the Environment Directorate of CDA claimed that paper mulberry trees were the main source of pollen allergy, therefore, the Authority was removing them gradually.

They said 30,000 trees of paper mulberry would be felled in the 6km-long green belt from Zero Point to Sector G-10. They said the paper mulberry trees would be replaced with environment- friendly trees. However, the sources admitted that removal of all paper mulberry trees was impossible, as it would spoil the beauty of the capital.-APP