Islamabad all set for weeklong cleanliness drive

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) Monday launched a cleanliness and awareness drive in the Margalla Hills National Park and other areas of Islamabad for the conservation and protection of environment of the federal capital.
The drive have been launched on the directions of the CDA Chairman Syed Tahir Shahbaz and the CDA was collaborating with the government and private schools, Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and other partner organisations to help preserve the rich bio-diversity and enhance the green cover of Islamabad. Hundreds of students from government schools, Head-Start School System and SOS Village were seen participating in the campaign inaugurated by the CDA Member Environment Dr Kazim Niaz at Trail- 5 of Margalla Hills.
The enthusiasm and passion showed by the students, teachers and environmentalists was remarkable. Active participation of children and adults was witnessed in the adventurous activities initiated to raise awareness for environmental protection and preservation of bio-diversity in the area. The children were divided into different groups to participate in different activities including art competition, cleanliness games, expedition and walk in the Margalla Hills.
Speaking on the occasion, the CDA member environment said the Margalla Hills National Park was an asset for the city and it would be protected and preserved any cost as it gave a unique character to the federal capital.
He further said the CDA had planned different activities in collaboration with public and private schools, NGOs, including World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to raise awareness for keeping the city clean and protecting the natural assets of the city.
He also said this activity would be extended to other environmental facilities of the city as well, adding that the authority had planned to hold such events at Marghazar Zoo and Lake View Park as part of this campaign.
Dr Kazim said the CDA was also collaborating with WWF for holding adventurous activities in Margalla Hills National Park which included hiking and training on vegetation management, plantation, improvement of degraded areas, site areas, picnic spots and other environmental conservation measures.
The Margalla Hills National Park always had unique characteristics and rich bio-diversity, he added.
Dr Kazim further said that this natural park was spread over an area of 31142 acres, and was home to 616 species of plants, 250 species of birds, 38 species of mammals and 13 species of reptiles. Collective efforts would help preserve the rich fauna and flora of the area as there were very few capital cities in the world that were blessed with such close proximity of nature as Islamabad, he added.
The CDA member environment said the authority was taking concrete measures not only to protect the species inhabiting the area but was also providing educational and recreational facilities to the residents of the twin cities and those visiting the federal capital.
The CDA was also making efforts to protect the Margalla Hills from seasonal fires with effective monitoring and deployment of fire fighting staff in the area, he concluded.