On one hand, the Government of Pakistan is spending billions on planting trees while on the other hand, Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) chops down 80 trees.
The trees cut down by the university included 65 eucalyptus, five shesham, and six popular. The anti-environment step taken by the AIOU angered the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI).
Officials from the environment wing of MCI visited the university and has decided to take a move against the University. In the initial report prepared by the MCI, declared that a fine of Rs. 354,000 could be imposed on the university.
On the contrary, the university officials said that the trees formed a jungle of wild mulberry and eucalyptus trees and many porcupines and wild bores lived there. In addition, they wanted to replace those trees with fruit trees.
But! In Islamabad, no one has the authority to cut a tree without permission. Not even if they are planted inside the University. Hope the AIOU plants olive, moringa, kachnar, cassia fistula, plum pear, apricot, fig, and arjan plants as said by the university officials.
The picture is quite upsetting. At the time, when the Government is urging people to plant trees and launching plantation drives like “Plant for Pakistan”, people in authority are cutting down old trees.
