ISLAMABAD: Participants at a seminar on Monday said that paper mulberry, conocarpus , lantana and parthenium, etc., are invasive plants, which have been causing economic and environmental damage to Islamabad.

These plants also play role in destruction of other species, closure of water facilities and waterways, destruction of wild life, transfer of air borne diseases to human beings and other negative effects on human life.

The seminar titled: ‘Restoration of Ecosystem and Elimination of Wild Mulberry and invasive plants’ was organised by Capital Development Authority (CDA) here at F-9 Park on Monday.

The participants of seminars also highlighted importance and usefulness of increasing green areas and planting new plants, including eliminating environmental pollution.

According to CDA, various experts and people from different walks of life including Head of Allergy Center National Institute of Health (NIH) Dr Nighat, Member Islamabad Wildlife Management Board Waqar Zakaria, DIG Forest Muhammad Yaqoob, Environmentalists Mohammad Munir and Dr Parvez spoke on the occasion.

Dr Parvez said the trees of paper millbury were rapidly lowering the groundwater level.

Ms Nighat Head of Allergy Centre, NIH, emphasised the importance of ecosystem.

DG Inspection CDA Romana Kakar said there was an ecological relationship between plants, animals and humans. She said that by planting trees, the environment around us also changed because trees had the status of a community in the society and environment.

Similarly, DG Inspection CDA highlighted the importance of restoring the ecological system and maintaining its balance.

The seminar was also informed that the plantations on the slopes around various highways, connecting roads, intersections, green belts, roads and drains in the city are going on by the Environment Wing of CAD to reduce environmental pollution.

While giving a briefing on the occasion of the public hearing, the participants were further informed that to promote a healthy environment, CDA is planting trees that are compatible with the local environment so that everyone can benefit from these trees and plants.

The CDA officials told the participants that environment wing had been trying its level best to restore the ecosystem by eliminating such poisonous plants that have negative effects on human health and the environment.

Pollen allergy affects many people in Islamabad, particularly during the spring season when the concentration of pollen in the air is high. Pollen is a fine powder produced by trees, grasses and weeds and is an essential part of the reproductive process of these plants.

According to reports, when pollen is inhaled by an individual who is allergic to it, it can trigger a range of symptoms, including sneezing, itching, runny nose, nasal congestion, and watery eyes.

In general, pollen allergies tend to be more common in areas with a temperate climate, and prevalence rates may be higher in urban areas due to the presence of environmental pollutants that can exacerbate allergy symptoms.

Published in Dawn, July 11th, 2023