Historic Green Push: CDA Commits to Triple Plantation for Every Tree Removed in Islamabad

CDA triple plantation policy marks a decisive and hopeful shift in Islamabad’s environmental governance as the federal government intensifies efforts to protect the capital’s rapidly shrinking green cover. The policy, announced by Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Malik, mandates that three trees must be planted for every single tree removed within the federal capital.

The announcement reinforces the government’s public commitment to environmental transparency, scientific decision-making, and climate-resilient urban planning—principles that are increasingly vital as Islamabad faces mounting ecological pressure from urban expansion, infrastructure projects, and invasive plant species.

Field Visit to Shakarparian: Policy in Action

During a field visit to Shakarparian, Dr Musadik Malik reviewed the ongoing removal of paper mulberry trees and the parallel plantation of indigenous species. He stressed that the CDA triple plantation policy is not symbolic but operational, backed by data collection, environmental compliance checks, and strict oversight.

The minister warned that any negligence, shortcuts, or violations of environmental laws would trigger immediate action, signaling a tougher stance on environmental governance.

Why Paper Mulberry Trees Are Being Removed

Paper mulberry is classified as an invasive species in Islamabad, contributing significantly to seasonal pollen allergies and ecosystem imbalance. According to environmental experts, unchecked growth of non-native species threatens indigenous biodiversity and weakens climate resilience.

Dr Malik clarified that tree removal is only carried out after scientific identification and environmental assessment, ensuring the CDA triple plantation policy aligns with ecological best practices rather than arbitrary development goals.

External reference: CDA Website

CDA Triple Plantation Policy and Scientific Oversight

How the Policy Works

Under the CDA triple plantation policy:

• Each removed tree is documented
• Three indigenous saplings are planted
• Survival rates are monitored
• Plantation data is publicly verifiable

This approach ensures net environmental gain, not just numerical replacement.

Indigenous Species Focus

Reforestation efforts prioritize native tree species that support local wildlife, improve groundwater retention, and enhance Islamabad’s climate adaptability.

Role of EPA and Transparent Tree Count

Dr Malik directed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct a comprehensive tree census, collecting detailed data on:

• Trees removed
• Saplings planted
• Species type
• Location mapping

This transparency mechanism strengthens the credibility of the CDA triple plantation policy and allows public scrutiny.

External link: Pakistan EPA – Environmental Governance

Public Hearings and Citizens’ Environmental Rights

The minister emphasized that environmental decision-making must respect citizens’ fundamental rights. He ordered complete documentation of public hearings conducted across Islamabad, ensuring community voices are part of plantation and development planning.

Failure to conduct hearings or share records will result in show-cause notices to responsible authorities.

Enforcement, Penalties, and Legal Amendments

Dr Malik revealed that amendments are being proposed to strengthen environmental penalties, which are currently capped at Rs1 million—a figure widely criticized as insufficient.

Under the revised framework:

• Fines may be increased substantially
• Repeat violators face stricter sanctions
• Construction projects may be halted

These measures directly reinforce the CDA triple plantation policy by deterring illegal or careless environmental damage.

Institutional Roles: CDA vs Climate Change Ministry

Who Does What?

• CDA: Responsible for tree cutting, plantation execution, and urban management
• Ministry of Climate Change: Oversight, policy compliance, and environmental protection

Dr Malik clarified that inter-institutional coordination is essential for the success of the CDA triple plantation policy, eliminating blame-shifting and improving accountability.

Indigenous Reforestation and Climate Resilience

Urban forests play a critical role in:

• Reducing heat islands
• Improving air quality
• Preventing soil erosion
• Enhancing mental well-being

By prioritizing indigenous reforestation, the CDA triple plantation policy directly contributes to Islamabad’s long-term climate resilience.

External link: UN Environment Programme – Urban Forestry

Why This Policy Matters for Islamabad’s Future

Islamabad is often celebrated as one of South Asia’s greenest capitals, yet unchecked development threatens this identity. The CDA triple plantation policy introduces a measurable, enforceable, and transparent framework to balance development with environmental protection.

It also sets a precedent for other Pakistani cities, offering a scalable model for climate-responsive urban planning.

Conclusion: A Green Roadmap for the Capital

The CDA triple plantation policy represents a strong, optimistic step toward safeguarding Islamabad’s ecological future. With scientific assessment, transparent data, citizen engagement, and stricter penalties, the policy goes beyond slogans to deliver real environmental impact.

As monitoring continues and reforms advance, Islamabad’s green cover may not only survive—but thrive—setting a national benchmark for sustainable urban governance.