Development work on three major underpasses along Peshawar Road has prompted the relocation of 469 trees and 715 shrubs to nearby areas, authorities said, in an effort to protect greenery while improving traffic flow. The underpasses, costing around Rs 8 billion, are being built from Qasim Market to Chairing Cross in the cantonment area.
The Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB), tasked with moving the trees, used cranes and careful planting techniques to transplant mature trees along green belts and other suitable locations. According to Cantonment Executive Officer Amir Rasheed, the relocated trees include a mix of local species such as pilkan, sheesham, alstonia, peepal, pine, and ashoke. Additionally, 74 dead trees were removed, with a plan to plant ten new trees for each removed one.
The move comes after earlier directives from the federal and Punjab governments to avoid tree felling, following public criticism over the cutting of trees in Islamabad’s Shakarparian. Green belts are being extended from Lane 5 to Motorway Chowk, and from Motorway Chowk to Chur Chowk, to maintain a greener look along Peshawar Road.
Utility companies, including Iesco, SNGPL, and PTCL, have also shifted electricity pylons and other infrastructure to clear the way for construction. Initial work on a dedicated utility service corridor by the Frontier Works Organisation has already begun. Formal underpass construction will start after all preparatory work is complete and is expected to finish within 70 days.