THE removal of encroachments was welcomed by one and all. For this we are grateful to the superior judiciary. However, the removal of nurseries is a matter of great concern.

These green spaces were making Karachi environmentally healthier and more liveable. The role of nurseries in the absence of natural greenery mitigates the damaging impact of carbon emissions and acts as green lungs. Are we not throwing away the baby with the bath water? Parks and nurseries live side by side. In fact no park can be developed without nurseries.

Karachi by nature is an arid semi-desert. Each tree, each plant and every patch of grass has to be planted and intensely managed. It is private nurseries that are the only source for plants as the city administration has no nurseries for the public.

This city owes a lot to Mr A.K. Khan, the pioneer of landscape designing in Pakistan who inspired subsequent generations of landscape designers. The Horticultural Society of Pakistan awards gardens in different categories and holds annual flower shows, both of which will likely have to be cancelled next spring in the absence of nurseries.

Under the law, if nurseries are not shown in the master plan they are illegal regardless of permission by local authorities. In this case, there is a need for an urgent reappraisal of the master plans of Karachi, Clifton Cantonment Board and DHA to include nurseries in an updated master plan.

Durriya Kazi

Karachi

Published in Dawn, December 30th, 2018