The Capital Development Authority (CDA) in Islamabad has put forward a project proposal, with an estimated cost of over Rs2 billion, to plant 10 million trees in Margalla Hills National Park. The project aims to enhance biodiversity, green cover, and the overall landscape of the park. The PC-1 (project concept paper) has been prepared by the CDA’s environment wing, and it is set to be sent to the federal government for funding in the fiscal year 2024-25 under the public sector development programme.

Islamabad, sprawling over an area of 908 sq. kilometers, includes Margalla Hills and 32 acquired villages within its master plan. The Margalla Hills, covering 39,000 acres of land, were declared a national park in the 1980s. The proposed project, titled ‘Enhancing the biodiversity and green cover by managing the natural resources, maintenance and rehabilitation of the landscape of Margalla Hills National Park,’ is slated to be implemented over five years.

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The main objectives of the project include enhancing the flora and fauna of the national park, mitigating climate change, and improving the aesthetics of the park. The document emphasizes the importance of preserving the park’s environment, providing recreation and research opportunities, and playing a vital role in maintaining the capital’s environment. It notes the challenges posed by construction activities and environmental issues due to depleting green cover in Islamabad. The PC-1 highlights the presence of invasive species like lantana and paper mulberry covering a significant portion of the park’s land and obstructing local species. Additionally, it addresses the watershed value of the mountains in the park, emphasizing the need for increased green cover to prevent water wastage due to high run-off. The project will prioritize planting local species such as chir pine, amaltas, and kachnar, with measures in place for the protection of trees, including the hiring of guards. The construction of check dams and water ponds is also part of the proposed plan.

This initiative is seen as crucial for improving biodiversity and the green cover in the federal capital, addressing environmental challenges resulting from urbanization and population growth. The PC-1 was signed by Director General Environment Qaiser Khattak, Member Environment Shahzad Khalil, and CDA Chairman Anwarul Haq, reflecting a concerted effort to enhance the environmental sustainability of Margalla Hills National Park.