Construction work on the expansion of Ataturk Avenue from D-Chowk to Ayub Chowk has begun, with traffic diversions now in place along the corridor. The project, undertaken by the Capital Development Authority, will convert the existing single carriageway into a dual-carriage highway.
Authorities plan to complete the work within two months. The project carries an estimated cost of Rs. 241 million, with the awarded bid reported to be six percent above the initial estimate. CDA spokesperson Shahid Kiani said the authority has taken steps to avoid cutting trees during construction.
He said no trees will be cut, adding that 12 trees falling within the project’s alignment are being transplanted nearby. He said teams have already transplanted several trees, while the remaining will be relocated in phases.
He also invited media representatives and environmentalists to visit the site to observe the transplantation process. The CDA had initially planned to expand this stretch in 2018 as part of a broader project from G-5 to D-Chowk. However, the plan faced criticism after the removal of around 140 trees, including mature pine and jacaranda trees.
Kiani said the CDA is implementing the project in line with directives of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA).
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When CDA or the Bosses have made up their mind, no power on earth can undo it. Unfortunately, there is no environmental conscious judge who can block this bulldozing of nature.
Look around and this Govt is more focused on construction, and the reason is more money in these projects.
Unfortunately the environment is suffering on the cost of Money in the pockets of policy makers