ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) initiative to demarcate the boundaries of Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP) by erecting pillars has been temporarily suspended. The project, which commenced a few months ago, was expected to be completed within two months. However, after the installation of few hundred pillars, the CDA paused the operation.
A director from the CDA explained that the project was initially launched using the authority’s resources. “The decision to halt was taken to initiate a proper tendering process. Once this process is complete, the work will resume,” he stated. He also mentioned that the demarcation by the Survey of Pakistan has been completed in most areas, with exceptions in Shah Allah Ditta and parts of Bhara Kahu.
An official from the CDA noted that nearly 60% of the demarcation work was done before the pause. The Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB), the custodian of MHNP, had shared a resolution about the park and its demarcation with the CDA earlier this year.
A CDA document presented last month highlighted the IWMB’s concerns. It detailed the different types of land within the MHNP and the challenges surrounding village lands within the park. The document revealed discrepancies in the 1980 notification, which did not specify exact land measurements or ‘Khasra’ numbers. This led to confusion regarding the inclusion of certain villages like Saidpur, Kalinger, and Sinari.
The IWMB has now suggested swapping areas believed to be encroached upon with available land near Margalla Hills and establishing a buffer zone with revised boundaries.
A CDA revenue officer informed Dawn that the demarcation process would resume shortly. “A meeting was held last week, and I believe the work will restart in a few days,” he said.
It’s worth noting that the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had directed the CDA in January of the previous year to demarcate MHNP’s boundaries within 60 days. The CDA began the process in August but later paused it. The IHC had also ordered the sealing of the naval golf course located in MHNP and directed its demolition unless an eco-friendly purpose could be identified.
The court also rejected the military’s claim over a significant portion of the park’s land and ordered the sealing of Monal Restaurant, although the restaurant later obtained a stay order from the Supreme Court.
