Staff Reporter The world’s largest urban forest will be planted along the Lyari River over an area of 26 kilometres, and this project will soon be inaugurated by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, announced Nasir Hussain Shah, Sindh’s minister for local government and forests. He vowed during his visit to the rivers to ensure that only environment-friendly trees that bear fruits will be planted in the said forest. Shah told the media that the project has been initiated according to the vision of the PPP chief, and that the first phase of the project will be initiated at the bank of the Lyari River, while in the second phase the urban forest will be planted along the Malir River. The minister directed the authorities concerned to make the arrangements for setting up recreational facilities for the citizens as part of the project. He also ordered building small playgrounds for children as well as a jogging track. He said that planting an urban forest along the rivers will turn the entire area into an attractive spot for local and foreign tourists. He added that such urban forests will also be planted in other parts of the city. The minister said that due to climate change and the ever-increasing temperature of Karachi, it is necessary to plant more trees. He asked the citizens not to litter in any part of the city, especially in forest areas. He said that action will be taken again those who litter. District West Deputy Commissioner Fayaz Solangi, West District Municipal Corporation Chairman Izharuddin, Chief Conservator Ijaz Nizami and Divisional Forest Officer Maqsood Ahmed also accompanied the forests minister.
