Mixed reaction as Margalla eateries close

Activists celebrate move while locals mourn loss of cherished dining spots

ISLAMABAD:

The floating island of lights that stood out against the dark backdrop of Margalla hills in the evenings has dimmed and the hubbub of people chatting over tantalising meals in the chill mountainous breeze has quietened.

Following the Supreme Court's orders, the renowned hillside eateries including the popular Monal restaurant, Gloria Jean's Margalla branch, La Montana and many others have finally closed down. While the decision is a remarkable win for environmentalists, Mother Earth and ultimately, for all of us, there are some that heave nostalgic sighs.

The restaurant strip of Margalla was a gathering place for large family events, group outings, parties, tourist visits, and in particular, the prime location to host celebratory and corporate dinners. However, since the management of the area has been transferred to the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB), visitors and activists have voiced their mixed feelings.

A private bank official while talking to the media said, "As someone in the corporate world, I've arranged numerous Iftar parties and private events at these establishments. There was something magical about gathering under the open sky, with the city twinkling below and the mountains watching over us. For many, these hills were where we celebrated milestones-birthdays, promotions, and anniversaries. The food, music, and ambiance made it more than just a meal; it was an experience."

A government official, Kazim, who was tasked with arranging farewell parties in the honour of his department's retirees at these eateries, said while reminiscing about old times, "We've hosted countless retirement celebrations at Monal or La Montana. It became a tradition to gather one last time in the serene beauty of this iconic location. It's heartbreaking to lose a place with so many memories, but I understand that this decision serves a greater cause. Protecting the environment and wildlife is something I appreciate, even if it means saying goodbye to our cherished places."

It is important to note that for some, the change has meant giving up their livelihoods. A former worker at La Montana, Aman, shared his thoughts with a heavy heart, "I worked at these restaurants for over a decade.

It wasn't just my livelihood; it was my passion. We saw families come year after year to celebrate life's big moments and achievements, Iftar parties and even quieter dinners. Now, all of that is gone. It's hard to process. We've lost our jobs and our place in people's stories. Nature is important, but personal loss is significant."

At the same time, however, several conservationists and activists have pointed out the true value and success that the decision has led to. Pakistan Wildlife Foundation Vice Chairman Safwan Shahab Ahmed who was one of the first to initiate the legal battle for the conservation of Margalla Hills, said, "This is a monumental win for the environment. The Margalla Hills are a crucial part of Islamabad's natural heritage, home to countless species of flora and fauna threatened by unchecked commercialisation."

"The Supreme Court's decision to hand over the area to the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board is a victory for all who care about preserving our natural resources. These hills are a living ecosystem that deserve protection. I'm overjoyed to see this chapter close and believe it's a turning point for environmental conservation in Pakistan," he went on to add.

"As we celebrate the preservation of this unique landscape, we must also address ongoing projects like Margalla Avenue, which threatens to cut through the very terrain we're trying to protect, disrupting scenic beauty and natural habitats. We need a more cohesive, environmentally conscious approach to development and not just symbolic victories," said a social activist, highlighting more emerging issues.

The IWMB plans restore the hilltop on Pir Sohawa Road in the Margalla Hills National Park by dismantling the old restaurant structures and rewilding the area. Their plan includes installing benches, local flora and educational displays, alongside a water harvesting system. It has also announced strict regulations and monitoring regimes to ensure the area remains clean and ecologically intact

Senior journalist Fouzia Kulsoom Rana, well-versed in environmental journalism, while appreciating the Supreme Court's verdicts said, "The Margalla Hills are set to reclaim their lost natural splendour, symbolise the balance between progress and preservation. While the memories of the once-vibrant eateries will linger, their closure ushers in a new era of conservation. The hills will be remembered not just for their beauty but for the vital lesson they teach: protecting our irreplaceable natural heritage must always come first."

With additional input form APP