Ayubia chairlift MoU revoked amid controversy

Decision marks a significant win for environmental advocates

ABBOTTABAD:

In a significant victory for conservationists, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Forest Department has officially withdrawn a contentious Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the modernisation of the Ayubia Chairlift.

The decision comes after widespread criticism from environmental advocates and legal experts, who argued that the project would violate crucial environmental laws and jeopardize the protected status of Ayubia National Park.

Hazrat Mir, Chief Conservator of Forests for the Hazara Division, confirmed the revocation, citing non-compliance with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Forest Ordinance, 2002, and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife and Biodiversity Act, 2015. Mir characterised the original MoU, signed by his predecessor Muhammad Yousaf, as "contradictory and in direct violation" of regulations governing national parks, particularly concerning biodiversity conservation and the protection of fragile ecosystems.

The MoU had granted the Monal Group of Companies extensive permissions to modernise and expand chairlift infrastructure within the park, raising alarms among environmentalists. They contended that such developments would threaten the park's natural habitat and violate directives of the Supreme Court of Pakistan on national park management.

Sardar Muhammad Sabir, Chairman of the Galiyat Tahafuz Movement (GTM), praised the withdrawal, stating it aligns with the organisation's concerns about commercial exploitation in protected areas. "This decision reaffirms the apex court's stance, particularly its judgment on Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP), which strictly prohibits unauthorized and damaging interventions," Sabir remarked, calling it a victory for conservationists fighting to protect Ayubia's unique ecosystem.

Ayubia National Park, known for its rich biodiversity and endangered species, is crucial for maintaining the region's ecological balance. Environmental advocates warned that large-scale tourism infrastructure would lead to habitat fragmentation, increased pollution, and irreparable harm to local flora and fauna.

The MoU's cancellation not only marks a significant win for environmental protection efforts but also sets a precedent for future projects in protected areas. It underscores the necessity for the government to adhere to legal frameworks designed to safeguard national parks from commercial pressures. Moving forward, any development in Ayubia National Park will require strict compliance with environmental laws to minimise ecological impact.

This decision highlights the critical need to align local and regional development initiatives with national and international conservation standards. As pressures on Pakistan's natural reserves grow due to urbanisation and tourism, protecting these vital habitats is more important than ever.

The cancellation of the MoU sends a clear message to private companies and government entities: the integrity of protected areas must not be compromised for commercial interests.