ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has announced plans to eliminate all wild mulberry trees in Islamabad and replace them with thousands of indigenous plant species to combat severe pollen allergies affecting residents.
The decision was made during a high-level meeting at CDA headquarters, chaired by Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa. The meeting was attended by environmental expert Rizwan Mehboob, a team of specialists from Baku, and senior officials from the CDA’s environment wing.
Experts highlighted that pollen allergies spike every spring, impacting a large number of Islamabad’s residents. Wild mulberry trees are one of the leading contributors to this problem, releasing airborne pollen that exacerbates respiratory issues such as asthma and severe allergic reactions.
To address this, Chairman Randhawa has directed the removal of over 10,000 wild mulberry trees in Shakarparian and other affected areas. These trees will be replaced with native, eco-friendly species that do not pose a health risk.
Pollen, a fine powder released by plants for reproduction, spreads through the air and can trigger serious allergic reactions. The decision to replace the wild mulberry trees aims to improve air quality and significantly reduce allergy-related health problems in the city, particularly during the peak pollen months of February and March.
This initiative is expected to provide long-term health benefits for Islamabad’s residents, ensuring a cleaner and safer environment.
