KARACHI: Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab on Saturday inaugurated a mangrove and tree plantation campaign at the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Park, announcing that several major environmental projects are being implemented across the city by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) to promote eco-friendly development.

Speaking to the media on the occasion, the Mayor said that a Biodiversity Park had recently been announced in the Keamari area and would be inaugurated by November 2026. He stated that the project would help educate students about mangrove forests and their environmental importance.

The tree-planting campaign at the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Park will also be expanded, with more than 5,000 mangrove saplings to be planted there.

He noted that the park’s boundary walls had been removed to provide citizens with a better view of the greenery and natural surroundings. He thanked Arif Khokhar and the Forest Department for their cooperation and said that joint efforts would be undertaken to promote mangroves in Karachi, Thatta, and Sujawal. He also recalled that two world records related to mangrove plantations had already been achieved.

Addressing Karachi’s sewage issues, the mayor announced that the Gutter Baghicha Haroonabad Sewage Treatment Plant would become operational by June 30, while a 100 MGD (million gallons per day) treatment plant would be activated by December 31, 2026.

He further stated that the Mauripur Treatment Plant would treat 54 MGD of wastewater, contributing significantly to environmental improvement. Mayor Wahab also revealed plans to transform Aladdin Park on Rashid Minhas Road into an urban forest, while 50 acres of KMC land would be utilised for plantation drives and other environmentally friendly activities.

He warned that strict action would be taken against anyone involved in the illegal cutting of trees anywhere in the city. Speaking about the K-IV water supply project, the mayor said it had remained pending before the Council of Common Interests (CCI) since 2016 and had been inaugurated multiple times by different prime ministers. He added that Rs10 billion had been allocated for the project in the current fiscal year’s budget.

Published in Dawn, June 14th, 2026