KARACHI: Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab Siddiqi on Monday suspended four officials of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and issued show cause notices to director parks and director advertising after four old trees were cut down near PIDC, a serious notice of which was also taken by Sindh chief secretary, who even ordered an FIR against the officials.

The mayor suspended the officials as they were found in connivance with those involved in the illegal activity while the decision came after Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah took notice of the cutting of trees.

“Expressing his strong displeasure, the chief secretary has directed an immediate inquiry into the incident and issued orders for strict action against those responsible,” said a statement issued by the chief secretary office.

“On the directives of the chief secretary, an FIR, No. 156/2024, has been registered at Civil Lines police station against the individuals involved in cutting four trees at PIDC. The KMC has also been instructed to initiate disciplinary action against any employees found to be involved in or negligent regarding this unlawful activity.”

Following the chief secretary orders, the KMC issued two separate notifications, ordering the director general Parks & Horticulture, KMC, and the Director MUCT, KMC, to report to the headquarters.

The KMC also suspended four officials from various departments with immediate effect. The suspended officials include Deputy Director Maqbool Ahmed, Assistant Director Muhammad Asif, Inspector Khalid Latif, and gardener Shoaibuddin.

These officials have been directed to report to the Human Resources Management department. Furthermore, the Sindh chief secretary assigned the deputy commissioner South to come up with detailed inquiry report within 24 hours.

“The chief secretary emphasised the importance of preserving greenery in urban areas, especially in Karachi, where trees play a crucial role in combating rising pollution and improving environmental sustainability,” said the statement.

“The government has a zero-tolerance policy towards the destruction of green assets. The public officials must remain vigilant in protecting the environment and ensuring compliance with laws prohibiting such activities.”

Relevant authorities were also directed to strengthen monitoring mechanisms to prevent the unauthorised felling of trees in future. Strict measures will be taken against violators to set a precedent and safeguard the city’s ecological balance, the chief secretary said adding that all necessary steps are being taken to restore the damaged greenery.

Published in Dawn, December 3rd, 2024