80-Year-Old Banyan Tree Felled Inside Government Compound Sparks Outrage in Karachi
In an incident that has sparked widespread concern among environmentalists and citizens, a historic 80-year-old banyan tree was silently cut down within the premises of the Sindh Information Department—a government body that frequently promotes environmental awareness and green policies. The quiet removal of the tree has raised serious questions about the government’s commitment to environmental protection and the future of Karachi’s rapidly vanishing green spaces.
The banyan, believed to have stood for nearly a century, was photographed in May 2025 by Karachi-based environmental journalist Amar Guriro. His image showed the tree thriving—its massive trunk and sprawling canopy offering critical ecological value in a city increasingly dominated by concrete.
But within weeks, fellow journalist Qazi Asif visited the same location and discovered only a stump, surrounded by debris. His photo, showing the grim aftermath, was shared on social media and quickly circulated among environmental circles—prompting outrage over the unexplained destruction.
“That image is more than just a missing tree,” an environmentalist commented. “It’s a crime scene—a symbol of neglect and hypocrisy.”
No official statement, environmental assessment, or justification has been provided for the felling—despite its location within a government compound. The tree’s removal appears to have occurred without any public consultation, transparency, or accountability.
The banyan tree served not only as a landmark but also as a natural carbon sink, a biodiversity host, and a cooling agent in a city facing intensifying heatwaves and pollution. Karachi, which has one of the lowest tree cover ratios in the region, cannot afford such losses—especially in the face of climate crisis.
The incident has cast doubt on the Sindh Government’s repeated public commitments to climate action and green development. When such actions take place within its own departments, those pledges begin to ring hollow.
This story gained attention not through mainstream media, but through the vigilance of independent journalists. At SindhClimate, we believe incidents like this must serve as a wake-up call for immediate policy reform, stronger tree protection laws, and real accountability in urban environmental governance.
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