ISLAMABAD: Following the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s ruling on August 21, 2024, ordering the demolition of illegal establishments in the Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP), the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) is working to restore the protected area’s natural beauty.
The Board is rewilding the former Monal Restaurant site into a public viewpoint and finalising a scientific management plan for the park.
The Supreme Court had declared the operators of the restaurants as “trespassers” for running businesses illegally within the protected national park. The apex court’s decision had dealt a significant blow to illegal commercialisation in the area, reinforcing the need to preserve its ecosystem.
The IWMB has since undertaken a tree plantation campaign to replace the demolished structures and prioritise sustainable development involving local communities. This includes the establishment of regulated kiosks for the basic needs of the visitors, as directed by the Supreme Court.
The demolition of these restaurants had affected over 1,100 employees and their families. On Saturday, hundreds of affected workers staged a protest in Islamabad, demanding employment opportunities.
Protestors criticised the selective enforcement of environmental regulations, pointing out the continued operation of other commercial enterprises within the picturesque Margalla Hills. They argued that such measures affected workers.
Addressing misconceptions, the IWMB pointed out that MHNP contributes significantly to the national economy through its recreational sites, such as Rawal Lake and Shakarparian, which host large-scale, environmentally compliant businesses.
The Board urged the government to prioritise environmental preservation over short-term financial gains, stressing the country’s international commitments to biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation.
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“Islamabad’s beauty and well-being lie in protecting the sanctity of Margalla Hills National Park,” the IWMB stated, calling for support rather than sabotage of its conservation efforts. The Board emphasised the importance of valuing protected areas as spaces for recreation, reflection, and environmental education, particularly as urban pollution continues to rise.
The demolition of Monal and similar establishments was justified by the environmental damage caused by their operations. These establishments, developed without proper Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), disposed of solid waste and wastewater directly into the environment, polluted streams, and disrupted local wildlife.
The IWMB estimates that the removal of Monal Restaurant has reduced traffic to Pir Sohawa by 60%, making it easier for local communities to travel to Islamabad, especially during emergencies. This aligns with the Board’s broader vision of integrating sustainable practices into the park’s management to safeguard its ecological integrity.