In order to preserve the natural flora and fauna of Margalla Hills National Park and demarcation of land in the adjoining areas, Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Sheikh Anser Aziz has constituted a 10-member committee comprising officials from ICT Administration, CDA, Survey of Pakistan and Punjab Forest Department.
Recently, many disputes came to fore about ownership and possession of adjacent land of Margalla Hills National Park by multiple stakeholders including multiple housing authorities, Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), Punjab Forest Department, ICT Administration, CDA and other private owners.
In order to resolve them amicably, Environment Department Director General Dr Sheikh Suleman has issued a notification announcing formation of the committee which will hear and settle all complaints regarding the boundary disputes among different owners.
The committee comprises assistant commissioner, tehsildar revenue, ICT, Islamabad, divisional forest officer, divisional forest officer demarcation, Punjab Forest Department, Rawalpindi, assistant director or representative of Survey of Pakistan, Rawalpindi Deputy Director (Land Survey Division), CDA planning wing, Assistant Director/ Tehsildar, Land Directorate, CDA director environment (regional), CDA and assistant director (forest).
Margalla Hills National Park came into existence back in 1980, under the Wildlife Ordinance. It is located in Zone-3 of Islamabad.
There had been reports in the past of limestone crushing activities on the western side, despite the ban.
Last week, Islamabad High Court (IHC) took notice of private encroachments on the park. However, the civic authorities have failed to take action against the influential encroachers who have caused irreversible damage to a national asset.