Hundreds of Trees Allegedly Cut Down in Karachi

Residents of Karachi’s Surjani Town have raised serious concerns over the alleged large-scale cutting of mature green trees in the area, warning that the loss of greenery could further worsen the city’s already fragile environmental situation.

According to local residents, around 2,000 to 2,500 fully grown trees have been cut down in recent days. The alleged cutting reportedly took place in broad daylight in one of Surjani Town’s greener areas, despite the presence of a nearby police station and local municipal representatives.

Residents said chopped tree trunks visible across the area show the scale of the damage. They alleged that the trees were being targeted by a wood-selling mafia, while the relevant authorities have so far failed to take visible action.

The matter has triggered anger among locals, who said government departments frequently promote plantation campaigns, but mature trees in their own neighborhood are being removed without accountability.

Residents have urged the Sindh government and environmental protection authorities to take immediate notice of the issue and initiate legal action against those responsible.

The incident comes amid growing legal and civic concern over tree protection in Karachi. In October 2024, the Sindh High Court ruled that no tree should be cut in Sindh without prior approval and directed the Sindh Forest Department to conduct a region-wise tree survey in Karachi.

The Sindh Plantation, Maintenance of Trees and Public Parks Ordinance, 2002 also restricts the removal, cutting, damaging, or displacement of trees, shrubs, and plants except under the law.