Islamabad: The Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Muhammad Ali Randhawa, met with environmental expert Rizwan Mehboob on Thursday to discuss strategies aimed at protecting Islamabad’s forest cover and preventing forest fires. The meeting, also attended by the Member Environment and Director General Environment, focused on a comprehensive approach to safeguard the city’s green spaces, particularly the Margalla Hills National Park.
One of the primary topics of discussion was the formulation of a robust strategy to prevent forest fires in the National Hill Park before the fire season begins. Chairman Randhawa stressed the urgency of taking proactive measures to protect the park’s vast green areas, which are vulnerable to seasonal fires.
To bolster the city’s environmental protection efforts, CDA is planning an extensive tree plantation campaign this year. Randhawa proposed using advanced technology, such as drones and helicopters, for aerial seeding in areas like the Margalla Hills and other vacant lands. This initiative aims to enhance the forest cover and contribute to the city’s overall environmental health.
“We want to engage students from educational institutions and the corporate sector to ensure maximum participation in this tree plantation drive,” Randhawa said. The CDA hopes to inspire the community to actively take part in environmental conservation, thereby increasing the impact of the initiative.
In addition to fire prevention and tree planting, the CDA is also focusing on the development of recreational and tourism projects, including a safari park. This project is expected to become a major attraction for both residents and visitors to Islamabad.
Environmentalist Rizwan Mehboob, who has pledged his voluntary support to assist the CDA, emphasized the importance of a coordinated approach to forest management and fire prevention. He expressed his commitment to working with the CDA to mitigate the risk of forest fires and ensure the long-term sustainability of Islamabad’s natural resources.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to preserving the city’s green spaces, preventing forest fires, and promoting community involvement in environmental initiatives.
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