ISLAMABAD: The environment wing of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has started removing wild bushes and shrubs, which have grown in different areas as a result of recent rains.

The wild bushes and shrubs not only disturb the natural beauty of Islamabad but also provide potential breeding sites for the growth of dengue larva, so these are being removed on priority, Director General (Environment) Irfan Niazi told APP.

He said during the first phase, CDA teams were removing grass and bushes on main roads, particularly from green belts, median strips, and different marakiz, adding that residential areas and streets would be cleaned at the end. Labour and special grass cutting machines were being used to accomplish the task, he added.

In this regard, special teams were formed, and their performance was being monitored on a daily basis. To a query, he said the plantation drive was also underway and thousands of saplings of local plant species were planted in coordination with the climate change ministry and non-governmental organisations.

Work on beautification of parks is also being done to provide visitors with a new joyful experience, he said, adding efforts are being made to further beautify Fatima Jinnah Park.

The campaign to remove wild bushes and grass will continue in tandem with the drive to plant trees on roads and highways, he said.

Published in Dawn, August 8th, 2022