KARACHI: A proposal to transform vacant land along Karachi’s Circular Railway Corridor into an urban forest and green corridor has been discussed at a coordination meeting held at the Commissioner’s Office in Keamari.
The proposed project covers the railway corridor stretching from Nazimabad and the SITE Area to Gul Bai. It aims to turn neglected land into a greener urban space through the plantation of approximately 25,000 trees.
The meeting was chaired by Muhammad Tahir Ansari, Chairman of Al-Khair Trust Relief Foundation, and attended by relevant stakeholders and focal persons.
Representing SEMP, environmentalist Dr. Kanwal Nazim and General Manager Dr. Muhammad Uzair Khan shared technical views on urban forestry, ecological restoration, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and sustainable environmental management.
The proposed initiative aims to go beyond tree plantation by developing a green corridor that supports biodiversity, improves the urban environment and creates opportunities for public recreation, community participation, employment and environmental awareness.
Urban forests can help improve air quality, provide shade, reduce local heat and create habitats for birds and other wildlife. In a densely populated city such as Karachi, well-planned green spaces can also contribute to climate resilience by helping communities cope with rising temperatures.
The project vision is to develop a green, clean, safe and climate-resilient corridor through cooperation among government institutions, private organisations, civil society and local communities.
The organisers emphasised that coordinated efforts would be important to turn the proposal into reality and establish a model for urban ecological restoration in Karachi.
If implemented with suitable native species, proper maintenance and long-term community involvement, the proposed green corridor could contribute to a healthier urban environment and strengthen Karachi’s response to environmental challenges.
