Under the plan walking, hiking tracks will be upgraded. PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD: The capital’s civic agency has decided to launch a comprehensive drive for cleanliness of the Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP) in collaboration with the civil society, students and environmentalists.
The control of the protected MHNP that spreads over an area of 31,142 acres will continue to rest with the Capital Development of Authority (CDA) and will not be devolved to the Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation.
The civic body will continue to manage the park’s affairs through its Environment Protection Cell.
The MHNP, enriched with flora and fauna, exhibits the green character of the capital city, which makes it unique among the different capitals of the world. The park is a habitat to around 600 plant species, 250 bird varieties, 38 mammals and 13 species of reptiles.
The CDA Chairperson, Maroof Afzal, while presiding over a meeting on Tuesday, directed the environment wing to make all out efforts for conservation of the national park and up-gradation of the walking and hiking tracks.
He said that thousands of the people from different walks’ of life daily visited the national park area to enjoy the natural environment and healthy recreational facilities.
For the cleanliness drive, various activities have been planned to raise awareness about protecting the natural beauty of Islamabad.
Moreover, symbolic litter collection by public figures, particularly, the celebrities will be also carried out in addition to the engagement of students of various educational institutes.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 2nd, 2016.
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