So far, about 95% of tree plantation works has been completed, and the project is planned to be delivered in full in the third quarter of 2021.
The scope of the project includes getting connected with treated sewage effluent (TSE) lines for irrigation, and the provision of shaded places on both sides of Al Shamal Road, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has said in a statement.
Regarding the project, Jassim Abdulrahman Fakhroo, project manager at the Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar, said: “The importance of this plantation initiative lies in the location of the project on Al Shamal Road, which is one of the vital routes in Qatar’s highway network as it connects several destinations and residential neighbourhoods.”
"Planting trees and increasing green areas in Qatar are among major tasks of the committee, aimed at enhancing the quality of life and improving the overall aesthetic appearance of the country,” he said.
Fakhroo said that the project works include planting 4,477 trees along 23km of Al Shamal Road in both directions.
Most of the tree species are of local origin, commensurate with the nature of the Qatari environment, and characterised by their resistance to dry climatic conditions, such as the Sidr tree and Acacia Arabica.
These species are selected in consideration of their lesser need for water and maintenance, the statement notes.
* Recent development of Al Shamal Road
Ashghal recently developed Al Shamal Road with the construction of service roads throughout the highway with a length of about 200km, beginning from the northern part of Doha city at Duhail Interchange until Al Shamal city on the northern tip of the State.
The development works included the addition of two new interchanges at Izghawa and Umm Salal, and expansion works on three interchanges – Al Huwaila Interchange, Al Kheesa Interchange and Al Kharaitiyat Interchange – as well as development works of Al Khor Road and Umm Birka Road.
The expansion project also included the construction of a connected bicycle path along the road.
* Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar
The committee works in co-ordination with several ministries and other entities of the State, such as the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the Ministry of Culture and Sports, Qatar Museums, Qatar Rail, and the Private Engineering Office.
The committee is responsible for five major tasks: the construction of central public parks, neighbourhood parks, and the provision of dedicated lanes for pedestrians and bicycles, the development of the Doha Corniche, the development of Central Doha, and increasing trees and green areas.
The committee’s work will contribute to enhance sustainability through minimising environmental pollution, reducing *CO2 emission through minimised consumption and conservation of energy resources.
It will also focus on the provision of more public transport options aiming for the reduced use of private cars and an improved lifestyle through clean and safe transportation.
Further, the committee will work for provision of a healthy environment within residential neighbourhoods and places of public gatherings through increased afforestation and landscaping, which will greatly help in reducing the temperature in cities.
