469 Trees Relocated for Rs. 8 Billion Underpasses in Rawalpindi

Authorities have relocated 469 trees and 715 shrubs from Peshawar Road as work begins on three underpasses worth Rs. 8 billion in Rawalpindi.

The federal and Punjab governments directed departments not to cut trees at development sites after criticism over tree felling in Shakarparian, Islamabad.

After initial activity started at the Race Course Park, Army Graveyard, and Chairing Cross underpass sites, the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board relocated trees from the central median and roadside along Peshawar Road between Qasim Market and Chairing Cross.

Cantonment Executive Officer Amir Rasheed said the board moved 469 trees and 715 shrubs and replanted them in and around Peshawar Road. Authorities removed 74 dead trees from the site. On the recommendation of the Environmental Protection Agency Punjab, the board will plant ten new trees for each dead one.

The relocated trees include pilkan, sheesham, alstonia, peepal, dhariak, shireen, terminalia, conocorpus, eucalyptus, pine, and ashoke species. The board has directed its Garden Branch to grow additional plants in its nursery for replanting after construction.

Islamabad Electric Supply Company has shifted electricity pylons from Chairing Cross to Radio Pakistan. The Punjab Communication and Works Department will begin formal construction after Eidul Fitr. Officials expect to complete the underpasses within 70 days after construction starts.