The Capital Development Authority (CDA) in Islamabad is taking steps to enhance biodiversity and green cover in Margalla Hills by initiating a project worth over Rs2 billion. The project aims to plant 10 million trees in the national park.
The CDA has prepared a PC-1 for the project, titled ‘Enhancing Biodiversity and Green Cover in Margalla Hills National Park’, with an estimated cost of Rs2,158.614 million. This initiative is part of the efforts to preserve the natural resources, manage the landscape, and promote the flora and fauna of the park.
Covering an area of 39,000 acres, Margalla Hills National Park is a significant part of Islamabad, attracting both locals and tourists. The project is designed to mitigate the impact of climate change, improve the aesthetics of the park, and protect the environment.
The PC-I emphasizes the importance of increasing the green cover to address environmental issues such as groundwater depletion and high run-off. The project will focus on planting local species like ‘chir pine’, ‘amaltas’, and ‘kachnar’ while also addressing invasive species like lantana and paper mulberry.
In addition to tree planting, the CDA plans to construct check dams and water ponds in the park to conserve water resources. This initiative is expected to have a positive impact on biodiversity and contribute to the sustainability of Margalla Hills.
Signed by key officials including Director General Environment Qaiser Khattak, Member Environment Shahzad Khalil, and CDA Chairman Anwarul Haq, the project aims to protect and enhance the natural beauty of Margalla Hills for future generations.