Deforestation, encroachments strangle Islamabad

Federal capital's fading greenery tells grim story of neglect and exploitation

ISLAMABAD:

Rampant tree cutting and cosmetic plantation drives by civic bodies have pushed Rawalpindi and Islamabad among the most polluted cities in Pakistan. According to a special report on environmental issues arising from the twin cities' rapid population growth, large-scale deforestation along the Metro route and frequent forest fires in the Margalla Hills have caused severe ecological damage.

For years, "Islamabad the Beautiful" was the city's proud identity - but its natural charm is fading fast. While new roads and metro lines were developed, the city's greenery has steadily declined. The report highlights that repeated fires in the Margalla Hills and extensive tree loss along the Metro route have devastated Islamabad's natural landscape.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA), it notes, has been purchasing expensive, non-native species for plantation, which are unsuited to local weather conditions and harming the environment. Each year, thousands of saplings are planted under tree plantation campaigns, but most fail to survive, resulting in heavy financial losses to the CDA. Meanwhile, Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) and Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) spend large sums only on VIP roads, neglecting other areas.

Much of Islamabad's green belts are under encroachment by the police and five-star hotels, which have built offices and parking areas there. Once lush and green, the city is now falling prey to pollution, with its trees, land, and water left at the mercy of land grabbers.

The report reveals that in the last three years, 146 fire incidents in the Margalla Hills have destroyed around 3,000 trees. Thousands more were felled for the Metro route, with no official record maintained. The CDA, responsible for environmental protection, has no reliable data or system for tracking tree cover. So far, 803 acres of forest land have been lost, and 122 kanals of valuable land have been encroached upon, with houses and roads constructed in several areas.

Even Islamabad's Traffic Police have built offices on green belts, while major hotels have converted green areas into private parking lots. The report further discloses that the hospital waste management system is ineffective, and several parks, drains, and green zones have been overtaken by slums. The CDA has been held responsible for the growing environmental crisis.

Encroachments around stormwater drains in VIP sectors are reportedly under the control of both influential individuals and land mafias.

Responding to these findings, a CDA spokesperson said that each year, around 200,000 trees, 1.6 million grafted plants, and 500,000 seed balls are planted across Islamabad.