Islamabad: Prime minister’s National coordinator on health Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Bharat has said that following the directions of the Prime Minister, proactive measures are being ensured in Islamabad to control pollen allergy.
In a statement, he said according to environmental experts, wild mulberry is the most significant source of allergy due to its abundance and to eliminate allergies from Islamabad, wild mulberry trees are being removed in phases.
Dr. Bharath said there are approximately 80,000 to 100,000 wild mulberry trees, which will be removed and in their place, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has already planted one million eco-friendly trees as part of the allergy eradication plan.
National coordinator on health said the CDA will plant an additional 300,000 to 400,000 trees, while by mid-year, paper mulberry will also be completely eradicated.
According to Dr. Bharath the CDA has taken special measures to control allergies at F-9 Park in Islamabad, while a plan has been devised to restrict the sale of Parthenium plants in various flower shops across the city.
Parthenium, a type of toxic weed, is a major cause of respiratory allergies, he explained.
Dr. Mukhtar said the Directorate of Municipal Administration has been informed to enforce a strict ban on this plant in floral arrangements.
He stressed protecting public health is the government’s top priority. He emphasized, urging citizens to fully support the government in its efforts to eradicate allergies.