Once a barren patch of land, the Clifton Urban Forest now stands as one of Karachi’s most remarkable ecological sites. Spread across 220 acres, it hosts over 700,000 trees, 600,000 mangroves, all of them native species like pilu, sukh chain (native tree) pomegranate and even Sindhri and Anwer Ratool mangoes.
This thriving forest is the result of relentless, hands-on care by environmentalist Masood Lohar, with 200 new saplings planted monthly, regular watering, and meticulous maintenance. As a result,around 40 species of birds, including flamingoes and migratory Siberian ducks now call this space home.
The Clifton Urban Forest not only helps cool the surrounding areas but contributes significantly to carbon sequestration. It provides lungs to a city with just 3-7 percent cover.
The forest is a success story to how Karachi can be turned green if citizens put their minds to it, and one that awaits replication in other parts of the city and the rest of the country.