Islamabad: In a major step towards environmental protection, the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board has planned to restore Pir Sohawa hill in Margalla Hills National Park to its natural state before allowing free access to visitors.
Until recently, the hill, known for its panoramic views of the city, was home to several large restaurants, but they were closed after the Supreme Court declared them illegal. On August 21, a panel headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa directed the IWMB to take possession of Monal, La Montana and Gloria Jeans on the Margalla Hills with the help of the Capital Development Authority and the police. It stated that these restaurants and those who allowed them to operate were disregarding the integrity of the national park, destroying its flora and displacing and disturbing the native bird and wildlife.
It was added that the astronomical environmental cost of these illegal activities was borne by the people and would be borne by future generations as well. The restaurants appealed the decision, but the court rejected it. Since these restaurant buildings now stand abandoned, they will be demolished and the area will be restored to its original state and integrated into the surrounding natural landscape as per the court’s orders, IWMB officials said.
They told The News that a committee comprising officials from the district administration, police, Capital Development Authority and climate change ministry, restoration experts and concerned citizens will monitor the demolition and debris clearance work by the CDA workers with the help of machines. The officials said the hilltop would later be turned into an open-air plaza to encourage both public participation and wildlife conservation.
They said the approved restoration plan for Pir Sohawa has already been approved by the committee, which has also given the go-ahead for hiring an architect for the purpose. Under the plan, comfortable benches will be installed there for visitors to relax and enjoy the scenic view; local flora will be planted to support biodiversity and create a natural habitat for wildlife; educational panels featuring native wildlife species will be installed to create awareness about local biodiversity; and a water harvesting system and reservoir will be installed to promote sustainable water use and management.
The terraces’ retaining walls will remain, but the concrete inside will be removed for planting. There will also be a small emergency facility with an area for rapid response and first aid services, particularly for firefighting emergencies.
According to the officials, the IWMB will implement a “lighting management policy” by switching off the solar lights at sunset to minimize disturbance to the wildlife. They said the entire measure is aimed at creating the Margalla viewpoint that will enhance public enjoyment while promoting awareness about the native flora and fauna. The officials thanked CJP Qazi Faez Isa for upholding Justice Athar Minallah’s verdict and said they are committed to complying with the Chief Justice’s observation in his order: “We must fulfil our assigned role as stewards of the earth, embrace, protect and preserve the natural world; in it lies our survival and salvation.”
