CDA starts uplift work in Margalla Hills
Social uplift programs to run in partnership with NRSP; medical camp held.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has initiated a long term partnership program with local communities to ensure the protection and preservation of Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP) and the uplift of local community, said a press release issued by the CDA.
The establishment of a free medical camp in Gokina Village in the National Park area — the first step in this regard — was inaugurated by CDA Member Environment Dr Kazim Niaz on Tuesday. Under the partnership program, the CDA will collaborate with National Rural Support Program (NRSP) to initiate different social and welfare projects which will raise the living standards of local communities.
In this first medical camp, senior doctors and paramedical staff from CDA Hospital conducted medical checkups and different clinical tests on local residents. The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ICCI) provided any necessary medication free of cost, while female doctors were on hand to check up female residents.
Dr Kazim Niaz said that in the second phase, another medical camp would be held in Tilhar Village on December 13.He said the Margalla Hills National Park is a beautiful and precious asset of Islamabad, adding that for the protection of the natural gift, the CDA has started a comprehensive program in which the participation of local communities would be ensured.
He said welfare programs to be initiated would include the provision of biogas facility to the residents, which would be helpful in reducing the use of wood as domestic fuel.
Dr Niaz said that different vocational centres would be established in collaboration with NRSP to help increase employment opportunities in the area.
Doctors at the camp told the member environment that iodine deficiency is common among women from the community. Dr Niaz said the CDA would provide assistance in this regard.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 12th, 2012.