Islamabad: The capital Development Authority (CDA) and Climate Change Coordinator Romina Khurshid Alam have signed an agreement for a 700-acre afforestation project near Bhara Kahu. The news was reported on by a source on October 5.
As per details, chairman Randhawa provided an overview of CDA’s various projects, including urban planning, renewable energy initiatives, environmental health, transport solutions, zero waste management, and water conservation. These projects are part of a broader vision to develop Islamabad into a modern, smart city. In addition, CDA is working on an extensive bicycle route network, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly commuting options across the city.
Romina Khurshid Alam highlighted the growing risks of climate change, with extreme weather events such as heatwaves and urban flooding increasingly threatening lives, livelihoods, and public infrastructure. She stressed the urgent need to build climate-resilient urban environments capable of withstanding such challenges.
Alam emphasised the importance of adopting climate-resilient urbanization strategies, which would not only address immediate environmental concerns but also ensure long-term sustainability, equity, and an improved quality of life in Pakistan’s urban areas. She called for a multifaceted approach that includes planning, infrastructure development, community engagement, and policy enforcement to make cities climate-resilient.
She further pointed out that many of the country’s major cities, including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar, are already facing significant climate risks due to rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall patterns, and rising sea levels. Alam underscored the necessity of implementing climate adaptation strategies to mitigate these risks.
Alam also revealed plans to boost Islamabad’s green cover and flowering plant cultivation, positioning the city as a model for other urban centers in achieving sustainability. Additionally, she advocated for relocating paper mulberry trees, whose pollen is known to cause severe allergies, to help mitigate health risks for residents.
She proposed the renovation of parks across Islamabad to align with broader environmental objectives, such as increasing tree plantations and promoting biodiversity within urban settings, which will enhance green spaces and recreational opportunities for the public.
