Capital’s green belts indirect victims amid pandemic

Residents complain of recreational spots being misused through non-eco friendly behaviour

ISLAMABAD:

Greenbelts, the hallmark of the federal capital, have started developing rough patches, mainly due to their increased and wanton use by residents facing mobility restrictions amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The landscaping of greenbelts and parks is imperative to enhance the federal capital’s beauty. Green belts besides ensuring a healthy environment for residents, also helps in dealing with the repercussions of battling with a global pandemic,” said Raja Sharafat, a senior citizen living in Sector G-7.

Singling out and identifying some green belts that were in a pathetic state, he said besides the casual upkeep of greenbelts by the civic authorities, the constant use by people, had adversely impacted the green-spots of the city, turning some of them into barren areas owing to the people’s non-eco friendly behaviour.

He said many a time he had observed people even brought animals to let them graze on the green belts which was another reason for their deterioration. This is a sheer violation of environmental laws and should be dealt with strictly, he added.

Sharafat urged the city authorities to rectify the situation by imposing fines on violators. “Growth of wild shrubs is also a major issue as they give greenbelts a rough look,” he said, calling for regular pruning of greenbelts to enhance a clean and green environment.

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Umar Khan, a capital-based journalist, said Islamabad has once ranked second in the list of the world's most beautiful capitals a decade ago, but now it is not as beautiful. He stressed that there is a dire need to take remedial steps on a war footing basis to ensure extensive beautification of the city.

It is high time the Environment Department of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) took action and started imposing heavy fines on persons trespassing upon green belts and destroying their glow and lustre, he urged.

Ajmal Khan, a resident, who especially came to the greenbelt near Sector F-6 along with his friends, said this was a perfect place to enjoy cool evenings amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“It is not easy to spend evening time indoors as we live in a very congested locality," said Yusuf Maseeh from Sector G-6, justifying the use of greenbelt as a recreational spot.

Meanwhile, CDA authorities said that they are striving to ensure the maintenance of greenbelts across the capital city through flowering and massive plantation.

CDA Member Finance Rana Shakeel said trimming of shrubs and grass at the greenbelts and parks were being done on regular basis.

Fines were also being imposed on the violators, he added. He regretted that some citizens lacked civic sense and thoughtlessly spoiled the beauty of greenbelts.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, April 26^th, 2021.