Karachi: The authorities concerned have planted fruit-bearing sapling along both sides of the Mai Kolachi Bypass, a news source reported. As per officials, these saplings will grow into trees bearing black plum (jamun), tropical almond, and chikoo fruits. Similarly, Mulberry and other non-fruit-bearing trees have also been planted.
The trees that would not be bearing fruit would help in provision of shade. These include the neem and gulmohar trees. The officials concerned have given the trees white labels that mention ‘Project Rise’ as the donor of the trees. Project Rise is a Dawoodi Bohra initiative.
Spokesperson for the Dawoodi Bohra community Zohaib Tahir said that they had specifically planted indigenous trees in consultation with horticulturists. He added that they wanted to ensure that the trees would do well in the area since it was quite near to the cost. He revealed that they had planted around 500 trees in the area.
Tahir said that they planted fruit-bearing trees as they would bring back the birds to the area. He said that the Bohra community would be responsible for growing and maintaining the trees. He added that they were providing the water and fertiliser for them, and would even replace a tree if it dies.
The spokesperson added that the recent Karachi rains have helped the saplings take root. He added that these trees would transform the Mai Kolachi Bypass into a model road.
Meanwhile, a Karachi Port Trust spokesman reported that the Karachi Municipal Corporation (KMC) had taken the responsibility of repainting the footpath borders on the road. As per sources, the beautification of the Mai Kolachi was part of the provincial government’s Green Karachi Initiative.
