KARACHI, June 22: The Gulberg Town is spending Rs2.7 million to fell at least 60 trees as part of its ongoing beautification drive in the area.

Sources told Dawn that under the directives of the Gulberg Town Nazim, Farooq Naimatullah, the town officials were busy in felling the trees lined along the road between UBL Sports Complex and the Waterpump roundabout.

They added that the trees were not being removed to any other place. Workers at the site told Dawn that those who were cutting the trees would cart them away and sell them afterwards.

The Gulberg Town Nazim, Farooq Naimatullah, said the felled trees would be relocated to a nursery in Federal B Area, Block 2, where they would not be re-planted.

“These are eucalyptus trees which are not good for health. That is why we do not plan to re-plant them.”

He insisted that trees were being felled as part of the ongoing beautification drive. “The Gulberg is going to put slabs on the drain between UBL Sports Complex and the Waterpump roundabout. Then grass will be planted on the traffic island thus created.”

He said that previously the defunct Karachi Metropolitan Corporation used to make a lot of money by cleaning the drains of the city. “They used to spend Rs1.4 million twice a year to clean the drains. With the drains covered in this way, there will be no need to clean them frequently.”