Categories: Technology

CDA fails to demarcate Margalla Hills National Park land

ISLAMABAD: Despite orders issued by the Islamabad High Court (IHC), the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has not carried out the delimitation plan on the Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP) as of yet. 

invest with imarat

Islamabad’s emerging city centre

Learn More

On 11th January, 2022, the IHC had given orders for the demarcation of the boundaries of MHNP within 60 days. On 1st March, Board Member Naveed Illahi appointed a 5-member committee for this task. However, according to sources, there has been no significant progress so far.

According to the notification on 1st March, the Director Environment (Regional) was made the key committee member, along with Additional Deputy Commissioner Revenue ICT, Deputy Commissioner CDA, representatives of the Defence Ministry, and members of the Survey of Pakistan. 

The IHC order stated: “The respective secretaries of the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Interior and Chairman CDA shall jointly conduct a survey and demarcate the unharmed area of the notified National Park.

They will ensure that no activity or construction is allowed within the notified National Park as mandated under MLR-82, the CDA Ordinance 1960 and regulations made thereunder, the Islamabad Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management Ordinance 1979, and the Islamabad Preservation of Landscape Ordinance 1966.”

A member CDA confirmed that a meeting will be held next week to expedite the process.

“Soon we will start a proper demarcation of MHNP,” he said, adding that there will be no cause for delay now. 

On 11th January, IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah had also directed CDA to seal the naval golf course stretched across MHNP and, if it cannot be used for other purposes, to demolish it within 4 weeks. 

The high court had also denied the military’s claim over 8000 acres of land of the park, and also instructed the CDA to shut down the restaurant Monal that is located in the area.

The Defence Secretary was asked to determine which officials were responsible for building the golf course, and CDA Chairman was requested to investigate the construction of restaurants in MHNP. 

The CDA has given a lease of 15 years to Monal, which expired last year. A few years before the expiry, the rent was paid to the military instead as the latter maintained that the land belonged to them, according to a notification from 1912. 

Hence, CDA and the ICT administration sealed Monal, only to reopen it later due to orders issued by the Supreme Court.

Minaal Shamimi

As an editor and writer, Minaal recognises the importance of a well-crafted and compelling narrative. With several years of experience and a thorough understanding of SEO practices, her focus is on producing content that can provide different perspectives and create real value.

Recent Posts

Rome’s Affordable Real Estate Draws Increasing Investor Interest

As Milan’s real estate boom starts to stabilize, investors are increasingly looking toward Rome as…

10 hours ago

Dubai’s Second Tallest Tower Burj Azizi Shatters Records with Global Luxury Sales Launch

Dubai’s skyline is set to welcome a new icon as Azizi Developments launches global sales…

3 days ago

Real Estate Set to Surge as Government Plans to Scrap FED on Property Deals

The federal government is considering removing the Federal Excise Duty (FED) on the transfer of…

4 days ago

Egypt Launches MLS-Powered Real Estate Platform for Transparency & Investment

Under the patronage of Minister of Housing and New Urban Communities Sherif El-Sherbiny and Minister…

4 days ago

CDA to Hold Open Auction for Commercial Plots in Islamabad from February 25

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has scheduled an open auction for commercial plots at Jinnah…

5 days ago

Islamabad’s Three Day Spring Festival Set to Wow Visitors with Cultural Showcase

The capital city of Pakistan is gearing up for a grand celebration as Interior Minister…

5 days ago