The CEO of Clifton Urban Forest, Masood Lohar, has raised serious allegations against the Karachi Development Authority (KDA), accusing them of destroying 60 thousand mangroves on the land of Clifton Urban Forest, a project initiated by the Sindh government.
According to Lohar, the urban forest housed an impressive 83 different types of trees and plants, with a total of 60,000 mangrove trees specifically planted to provide protection against hurricanes. Additionally, the forest was a habitat for 120 different species of birds, making it an important ecological site.
However, Director General of KDA, Mohammad Ali Shah, refuted the claims, stating that the KDA had not caused any damage to the land of the Urban Forest. He clarified that the ongoing work in the area is part of the People’s Marine Beach Walk project, which includes the construction of a one-and-a-half-kilometer track from Dua Chowrangi to Hyperstar.
Sources within the KDA revealed that the Beach Walk project will feature a water park, hotel, and other international-style amenities. The foundation stone for the project was laid by Local Government Minister Nasir Shah in May of this year.
