The Sindh High Court imposed on Wednesday a ban on cutting down trees during any construction project across the province in response to a petition against tree cutting during the construction of the Red Bus BRT system.

The Karachi BRT Red Line, described as Pakistan’s first biogas-powered project, is expected to be completed in 2026. “Its vehicles will run on environment-friendly biogas,” according to Sindh Transport Minister Sharjeel Memon.

But many environmental experts have expressed concerns over the cutting down of trees for the construction of the project’s route. The provincial government also cut down trees for the city’s first BRT project, which is ironically named ‘Green Line’.

The project has several components like construction of two separate corridors from Malir Halt Depot to Mausmiyat (Lot-1) and Mosumiyat to Numaish (Lot-2), two bus depots, biogas plant/station and the purchase of buses.

The court issued a show-cause notice to Karachi’s Mayor for “failing to comply” with its orders.

According to the ruling, the Karachi mayor was asked to provide a report on a five-year tree-planting initiative during the last hearing. But he failed to submit the report or appear in person as ordered.

It noted that the Environmental Protection Agency had approved an agreement based on the assurance that five trees would be planted for every tree cut down. Initially, it was decided that the trees would be relocated; however, they were ultimately cut down instead. According to the EPA, over 3,800 trees were cut down during the construction of the project.

In its ruling, the SHC stated that the contractor had failed to adhere to the agreement to plant trees in exchange for those cut-down. The court emphasised that global warming represents one of the most significant challenges facing humanity and Pakistan is particularly vulnerable to climate change, with cities like Karachi at high risk due to their already limited greenery.

The court noted the potential positive impacts of large-scale tree planting in Karachi and other cities in Sindh. It acknowledged that government initiatives such as the Billion Tree Tsunami are “commendable” but highlighted the necessity of local efforts in these endeavours.

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The court ordered the city mayor to ensure that no trees were cut down. “If necessary, trees should be relocated to alternative sites.”

It also instructed the Forestry Department to ensure that trees are not cut without permission and mandated a survey of trees in the city.

It reiterated that the primary responsibility for tree management lies with the Forestry Department and not the local government. To cut down any trees, permission must be obtained from the district’s session judge if needed.