The Capital Development Authority (CDA) carried out a large-scale anti-encroachment operation in the Margalla Hills National Park area, resulting in the demolition of 13 illegal houses and the retrieval of 23 kanals of encroached government land.
According to CDA officials, the retrieved land has been handed over to the Environment Wing in view of environmental conservation. The operation was conducted to preserve the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the national park.
During the activity, several illegal structures built within the protected park boundaries were demolished.
CDA Chairman Chaudhry Muhammad Ali Randhawa visited Saidpur Village during the operation and was briefed on the situation. He said strict action will continue against any form of encroachment or illegal occupation in the Margalla Hills National Park and other green zones of Islamabad. He reiterated that no compromises would be made regarding the preservation of the city’s natural beauty.
Chairman Randhawa further stated that the authority will take all possible steps to maintain Islamabad’s natural charm. “No one will be allowed to tamper with the ecological landscape of the capital,” he said, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy on illegal constructions within protected zones.
However, affected residents have accused CDA of violating legal protocols. They claimed the operation began in the darkness of night without prior notice, giving them little time to remove their belongings. The residents stated they had been living there for 30 to 40 years and had legal utility connections, including gas and electricity meters installed by the government. They called the operation unjust and said it disregarded their long-standing presence in the area.