ISLAMABAD - Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) Syed Tahir Shahbaz has said that the authority is taking concrete measures in collaboration with the partner organisations to preserve the rich biodiversity inhabited in the Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP).
On the occasion of World Environment Day, he said that collective efforts would help preserve the rich flora and fauna of Margalla Hills as there are very few capital cities in the world that are blessed with such close proximity to nature as Islamabad. The MHNP is the unique natural park, spread over an area of 31,142 acres of land, abundant with of 616 plant species, 250 of birds, 38 of mammals and 13 species of reptiles. On this occasion Member Environment, Ashan Ali Mangi, Member Administration Munir Ahmed Chaudhry, officers of the authority and a large number of participants from different walks of life were also present. Addressing the participants of the ceremony, the Chairman CDA said that the authority is working hard to increase the green cover and preserve the green character of the Federal Capital. The CDA is focusing on planting the indigenous species, especially fruit and flowering trees including chir, pine, kachnar, amaltas, dhreak, jacaranda, and olive etc. He said that strict monitoring of the planted saplings is being carried out to ensure their maximum survival.
The Chairman said that CDA actively participates in National Tree Plantation drive during every planting season and also invites general public, educational institutions, NGOs, government employees traders, environmentalists and members of the sectors citizens committees, representatives of ICT administration, Islamabad Police, to make these campaigns a success. The chairman CDA said that natural streams and ravines were the best source of clean water in the city but with the passage of time these streams and ravines have been polluted by sewerage lines.